The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that its air defense systems destroyed 12 missiles launched by Ukraine over the Belgorod region, which lies on the border between the two nations. The strikes also targeted Ukrainian forces' deployment points along the Donetsk axis, whilst the United Nations called for an immediate cessation of the escalation of violence between Russia and Ukraine.
Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region, reported that Ukraine conducted a drone attack on the area and noted that an assessment of the damage would be conducted throughout the day.
The governor of Sevastopol city in the Crimean Peninsula stated that Russian air defense systems shot down a missile fired by Ukraine over the city's port amidst a succession of explosions in the area.
No human casualties have been reported in the recent attacks.
Ukraine's escalation of its attacks on Belgorod coincides with the first days of the New Year, during which Russia carried out some of its most intense strikes on Ukraine since the war began nearly two years ago.
Kyiv stated on Tuesday that since last Friday, Russia has launched more than 300 combat drones and various types of missiles at cities across Ukraine.
Belgorod, like other Russian regions along the Ukrainian border, has experienced limited repeated attacks since the beginning of the war. However, last Saturday's attack was the most lethal ever. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that such actions "will not go unpunished."
Russian authorities reported that one person was killed and seven others injured in the region on Tuesday.
Donetsk Strikes
The Russian Defense Ministry also announced its bombardment of Ukrainian forces' deployment points on the Donetsk axis. The strikes were executed by "Su-25" aircraft flying at extremely low altitudes, around 25 meters, using unguided "S-8" rockets, achieving direct hits.
United Nations Appeal
In related developments, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Tuesday for an immediate halt to the escalation of violence between Russia and Ukraine, expressing concern over the recent increase in attacks.
He urged immediate action to de-escalate the situation, ensure the protection of civilians in both countries, and respect international law.
Air strikes hit residential buildings in Ukraine and a Russian border area yesterday, resulting in injuries to dozens of civilians on both sides.
