In a dramatic escalation of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, a deadly missile strike by Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod has resulted in a tragic loss of life and widespread damage. The Russian emergencies ministry reported that at least 14 people, including two children, were killed, with 108 others, 15 of them children, wounded in this shocking attack.

Initially, the death toll was reported as 10, comprising nine adults and one child, but the numbers have risen alarmingly. Russia’s emergencies ministry stated, “Nine adults and one child were killed in Belgorod due to shelling by the Ukrainian army. 45 people were injured, including 4 children.”

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov took to Telegram, revealing that a residential building was directly hit. The strike has caused widespread panic, with residents urged to seek shelter amid ongoing air raid sirens.

Belgorod, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, has been subject to shelling and drone attacks throughout the year. These incidents have been consistently blamed on Ukraine by Russian authorities.

Unverified footage circulated by the news agency AFP shows a scene of devastation in the city’s center, with debris strewn across the street and burnt-out cars emitting plumes of smoke.

The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed about the Ukrainian strike. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, told TASS news agency, “President Vladimir Putin has been informed about the Ukrainian armed forces’ strike on residential neighbourhoods in Belgorod.”

In a stern response, Moscow declared that this act “would not go unpunished.” The Russian defence ministry stated, “This offence will not go unpunished.” This escalation comes in the wake of Russian strikes in Ukraine that killed at least 39 people just a day prior.

In retaliation to the Ukrainian strike, Russia called for a United Nations Security Council meeting. Dmitry Polyansky, Moscow’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, stated, “We have requested a meeting of the Security Council on Belgorod for 15.00 New York time (2000 GMT) today, 30 December.”

Ukraine’s military disclosed that Russia had launched a record number of missiles and drones, with 158 launched and 114 intercepted. Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat described this as the “most massive missile attack” of the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “Work is still underway to eliminate the consequences of yesterday’s Russian attack.”

  Belgorod, Kremlin, Russia, Ukraine, Vyacheslav Gladkov