Ukrainian armed forces launched a major offensive in Belgorod, Russia.
Ukrainian armed forces attacked two more settlements in Russia's Belgorod province.
According to the TASS news agency on August 17, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) had attacked two more settlements in the Belgorod region.
"Two settlements in our area were shelled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces; according to preliminary information, no civilians were injured," Gladkov wrote on Telegram.
Governor Belgorod clarified that in the village of Dronovka, Grayvoronsky municipality, a house caught fire after being hit by direct gunfire. The fire was promptly extinguished by the homeowner using a fire extinguisher.
Additionally, in the village of Grafovka, Krasnoyaruzhsky district, electricity and gas lines were damaged due to shelling. There is no electricity on the streets. Emergency services will begin restoration work after reaching an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Gladkov also noted that information regarding the consequences of the shelling is currently being clarified and operational units are working on the ground.
According to an announcement by Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurendo on August 15, the situation in Russia's border province of Belgorod has been declared a federal emergency.
Russian forces in Belgorod were placed on high alert after the neighboring Kursk was attacked by Ukraine. This heightened vigilance enabled the Russian forces in Belgorod to put up a more intense resistance.
