Russia orders evacuations in Belgorod amid intensified Ukrainian offensive

Ukrainian forces are advancing in the border region, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people in Belgorod and Kursk.

Amid an escalation in the conflict between Russia y UkraineMoscow on Monday ordered the evacuation of residents of the Krasnaya Yaruga district in the Belgorod region due to the intensification of the Ukrainian offensive. The decision was taken in response to an unprecedented incursion by Ukrainian forces into the neighbouring Kursk region, which has caused alarm among the Russian authorities and the local population.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced the evacuation in a message posted on Telegram, noting the presence of enemy activity on the border of the Krasnaya Yaruga district. “For the safety of the life and health of our population, we are beginning to relocate residents,” Gladkov said. According to official figures, the affected district is home to around 14,000 people.

The Belgorod region, which borders Kursk, has been a frequent target of shelling and drone attacks by Ukraine in recent weeks. These attacks have been described by kyiv as retaliation for the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. Russian authorities have mobilized buses to evacuate those residents who can reach the collection points set up in the villages of Dolguie Budi and Bushmeno, in the Obianski district.

Meanwhile, in Kursk, the situation is equally dire. Local authorities have urged residents of the Belovski district to move to safer areas, marking one week since the Ukrainian incursion began. Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are reportedly taking part in this offensive, the most significant since the start of the conflict.

In response to the growing tension, China has called for de-escalation. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged all parties involved to follow three principles: not to expand the battlefield, not to escalate fighting and not to fan the flames of confrontation. Beijing, which presents itself as a neutral mediator, has reiterated its commitment to maintaining communication with the international community to promote a political solution to the conflict. However, although China has not provided direct military support to any of the parties, its close relationship with Russia has drawn criticism from NATO, which accuses it of being a “decisive facilitator” in the war.

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The Ukrainian advance into Russian territory marks a turning point in the conflict, which continues to escalate with devastating consequences for the civilian population. Meanwhile, the evacuations in Belgorod and Kursk reflect the gravity of the situation on the border, where the war continues to take a heavy toll in terms of human lives and regional stability.