Russian Citizens Denied Refuge in Ukrainian Border City of Belgorod

Saturday's cross-border attack from Ukraine on the Russian city of Belgorod was the deadliest since the beginning of the war. It resulted in the death of 25 people and over 100 injured, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The missile strikes occurred following Russia's largest aerial bombardment of the war, leaving more than 40 dead. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia launched 500 missiles and drones against Ukraine in just five days. In response, President Vladimir Putin vowed that Ukraine's targeting of Belgorod would not go unpunished, but local residents accuse authorities of failing to provide adequate protection. During the attack, air raid alerts were only heard thirty minutes later, and some found that basement shelters in their apartment buildings were locked, highlighting the lack of preparedness. In contrast, Ukraine faces a far greater challenge in finding shelter, as bombardments are more frequent and widespread. Ukrainian civilians have limited options, either sleeping in metro stations or risking staying at home during Russian attacks, which primarily take place at night. In Belgorod, where the population reaches 340,000 and is located just half an hour from the border, residents expressed frustration with the lack of knowledge about shelters and criticized the regional emergency department for their lack of assistance. Similar complaints emerged from other towns near the border, such as Stary Oskol. The issue of inadequate shelters in Belgorod has been ongoing since the war began. Residents recall a previous incident when a housing block was hit, and they could not find open basements for protection. Official bomb shelters remain undisclosed to avoid becoming targets for the Ukrainian military. Instead, the authorities released a video instructing residents on how to respond to air raids by seeking refuge on the ground floor or in basements. Despite these challenges, the residents of Belgorod demonstrated solidarity by leaving housing block doors open for people to find safety during attacks. The regional governor has not addressed the public's concerns, and authorities have not responded to media inquiries. Belgorod's close historical ties with the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv have made it a primary target for Russian forces. However, this region has suffered the most significant impact of the war compared to other areas in Russia. As the continuous shelling is expected to persist, the question remains as to what will ultimately change.