5,000 children from Russia's Belgorod relocated due to cross-border shelling with Ukraine

NEW DELHI: Over 5,000 children have been relocated from Russia's Belgorod region near Ukraine due to ongoing hostilities, as confirmed by the region's governor on Saturday.

Following recent cross-border shelling and drone attacks that resulted in the deaths of several civilians, authorities had previously announced plans to move 9,000 minors to safer areas. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov disclosed that 1,300 children had been transferred to Saint Petersburg, Bryansk, and Makhachkala, with more to follow.

For those children remaining in the region, especially in areas close to the border, including capital Belgorod, a transition to remote learning is scheduled for the coming month.

Businesses impacted by the attacks will be permitted to reopen provided that employees receive first aid training and windows are secured.

Belgorod has faced repeated attacks labeled as indiscriminate by Russian officials since the conflict commenced two years ago. Recently, a Ukrainian drone strike in Belgorod city resulted in casualties, including one fatality and two injuries.