Moscow [Russia] / Kiev [Ukraine], March 22: At least four women have been killed in the Russian border region of Belgorod as a result of Ukrainian shelling, authorities said on Saturday.
A social services facility in the village of Smorodino was hit, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov announced on Telegram.
The village, located in the Graivoron district, lies just a few kilometres from the border with Ukraine. One woman was rescued from the rubble with serious injuries, Gladkov wrote. The Belgorod region lies within range of Ukrainian drones and artillery.
Meanwhile, fighting on the front line in eastern Ukraine has intensified in recent days, according to a report by the General Staff in Kiev on Saturday, prompting some to infer an offensive has been foiled.
The Ukrainian military reported heavy Russian casualties in the staff's morning report, which said 1,240 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded within 24 hours, in 161 engagements.
The reports suggest Russian attacks intensified starting Tuesday, as Wednesday's report cited 286 skirmishes and 1,710 Russian soldiers killed.
Source: Qatar Tribune
