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Russia launches counter-terrorism attack in Belgorod. Photo/CNN
JAKARTA – Belgorod is a province in Russia, where it borders the Luhansk, Sumy and Kharkiv regions of Ukraine.
According to Al Jazeera, Belgorod has become a frontline region, serving as an important base for the Kremlin’s armed forces to launch attacks on Ukraine.
On May 23, 2023 yesterday, Russia just launched a major attack on the region. The attack was one of the most serious by Moscow since the invasion began in February 2022.
Russia claims that its soldiers have successfully killed around 70 Ukrainian soldiers. However, this has not been confirmed. Authorities have reported 12 people were injured.
Reasons for the Russian Attack on Belgorod
There are several reasons stated by Russia regarding its massive attack on the Belgorod region.
1. Russia accuses Ukraine of launching an attack
Prior to the attack, Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov sounded the alarm for the Kremlin, saying that a Ukrainian “sabotage group” had entered Russian territory in the Grayvoron district.
According to Russia, these Ukrainian groups have opened fire using mortars and artillery on residential, administrative and civilian infrastructure buildings.
Quoting the BBC, Gladkov said an elderly woman died while being evacuated, but no civilians died in the clashes.
2. Russia Announces Counter Terrorism Operation
From the attack that was allegedly carried out by Ukrainian militants, Russia then responded by saying it was carrying out a counter-terrorism operation.
This makes Russia has special authority to carry out attacks on the region. But the measure was lifted the next day after a major offensive.
While Ukraine has denied the accusations, even news broadcaster Kyiv Hromadske, citing Ukrainian military intelligence sources, said that the two armed opposition groups that carried out the attack were from the Russian Freedom Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC).
In response to the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov revealed that they were Ukrainian fighters from Ukraine. There are many ethnic Russians living in Ukraine. But they are still Ukrainian militants.
3. Russian Efforts to Secure Belgorod
The attack carried out by Russia was also predicted as a form of defending Belgorod. The Moscow government responded to the incident by calling for tougher defensive measures.
According to DW, Russian authorities have also launched a terrorism investigation into the alleged cross-border attack.
(ian)
