Five thousand children have been evacuated from Russia’s Belgorod region due to continued deadly bombardment by Ukraine. The region’s governor announced that 9,000 minors would be moved to other regions after numerous cross-border shelling and drone strikes resulted in the deaths of over a dozen civilians. As a result, children who remain in the region and live in municipalities close to the border will switch to remote learning next month.
In response to the attacks, businesses in Belgorod that had been forced to close will be allowed to re-open as long as staff are trained in first aid and windows are taped up. This decision comes after the region has been repeatedly targeted by what Russian officials have described as indiscriminate Ukrainian attacks since the conflict began over two years ago. An incident involving a Ukrainian drone crashing into a multi-storey apartment building in Belgorod city resulted in the death of a man and injuries to two others, including his wife.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that 1,300 children had already been relocated to Saint Petersburg, Bryansk, and Makhachkala, with more expected to be moved in the coming weeks. The evacuation of children from the region is seen as a necessary step to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing violence. Those who have been relocated are expected to continue their education and daily lives in new surroundings, away from the conflict zone.
The situation in Belgorod highlights the human impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with civilians, including children, being caught in the crossfire. The decision to evacuate thousands of children demonstrates the urgency of the situation and the need to protect the most vulnerable members of the population. The violence in the region has led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with families being forced to flee their homes in search of safety.
Efforts to provide support and assistance to those affected by the conflict, including the provision of education and medical care to children, are crucial in mitigating the impact of the ongoing violence. The international community has a responsibility to address the humanitarian crisis in the region and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of children and civilians in conflict zones, we can help prevent further suffering and ensure a better future for all. The evacuation of children from Belgorod is a reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for peace.
