Russia intercepts Ukrainian rockets in the sky over Belgorod

Russia announced that it shot down 10 Ukrainian Vampire rockets targeting the city of Belgorod, adding that three people were injured in the attack.

"An attack on a target in Russia by the Ukrainian authorities was prevented in the sky over Belgorod province on the evening of January 8. Combat air defense forces intercepted 10 rockets launched from the enemy's RM-70 Vampire rocket artillery system," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Belgorod Mayor's Office earlier warned of the risk of a missile strike, asking residents to stay indoors, not go near windows and take shelter in rooms with solid walls.

Russia intercepts Ukrainian rockets in the sky over Belgorod — Russian air defense intercepted a target in the skies over Belgorod on the evening of January 8. Video: *Telegram/RVvoenkor*

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three people were injured in the attack and that emergency services were working to clarify the aftermath. Video posted on social media showed a series of explosions in the sky over Belgorod as Russian anti-aircraft missiles intercepted the target.

The Ukrainian military has not commented on the information.

Governor Gladkov said on January 8 that about 300 residents of the city of Belgorod had been evacuated to temporary shelters far from the border, while 1,300 families had also offered to take their children to dormitories in other localities to avoid shelling from Ukraine.

Since December 29, 2023, Ukraine has intensified attacks on the center and outskirts of Belgorod city, the capital of the Russian province of the same name, causing many casualties and damaging many civilian structures.

One of the deadliest attacks took place on December 30, 2023, killing 25 people and injuring 109. Rocket and drone attacks on Belgorod continued over the past week.

Location of Belgorod Oblast, Russia. Graphics: RYV — Location of Belgorod Oblast, Russia. Graphics: *RYV*

Mr. Gladkov said on January 7 that the Ukrainian army fired nearly 130 shells of various types, including rockets, artillery shells, mortar shells, grenade launchers and suicide drones, at 6 districts of Belgorod province within 24 hours.

Vu Anh (According to RIA Novosti, Reuters, AFP )

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