Russia issues evacuation orders in Belgorod

Russian authorities have ordered fresh evacuations in the region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine.

The decision follows “activity” by Ukrainian forces in the area, regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.

Gladkov said evacuations had begun from the Krasnaya Yaruga district due to “enemy activity on the border” that was a “threat.”

“I am sure that our servicemen will do everything to cope with the threat that has arisen,” he added. “We are starting to move people who live in the Krasnaya Yaruga district to safer places.”

Ukrainian soldiers crossed into Russia’s Kursk region last week, apparently catching Russian forces off guard. Moscow has responded by sending more troops and equipment and imposing strict security measures in the border regions of Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk.