The people of Belgorod have once again faced devastating consequences as a result of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Saturday’s attack, which was the deadliest on Russian soil since the war began, claimed the lives of 25 people and left over 100 injured. This incident comes just a day after Russia launched its largest aerial bombardment in the war, resulting in over 40 fatalities. The escalating violence has raised concerns about the safety of the city’s residents and the effectiveness of the authorities in protecting them.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has accused Russia of launching 500 missiles and drones against Ukraine within a span of just five days. In response to the Ukrainian missile strikes targeting Belgorod, President Vladimir Putin promised that they would not go unpunished. However, many residents of Belgorod feel that the authorities have failed to take adequate measures to ensure their safety during such attacks.
According to reports, air raid alerts were only heard half an hour into Saturday’s attack, leaving residents with little time to seek shelter. To compound the problem, some residents discovered that the basement shelters in their apartment blocks were locked, preventing them from accessing them in an emergency. In a distressing revelation, it was discovered that some basements had a piece of paper on the door with a mobile number for the person holding the key. In the midst of the winter holidays, when management companies are not operating, this situation became dire for those in need of immediate shelter.
The issue of finding shelter during attacks is even more dire in Ukraine, where bombardment is more frequent and widespread. Ukrainians often have to choose between seeking refuge in metro stations or taking their chances at home during Russian attacks, which primarily occur during the night. In contrast, the residents of Belgorod, situated just half an hour from the Ukrainian border, face the shocking realization that the emergencies ministry’s regional department is unaware of the existence of shelters. This raises important questions about the preparedness of the authorities and their ability to protect citizens during times of crisis.
Numerous residents, frustrated by the lack of action from local administrations, have taken to social media to express their concerns. Angela, a woman from Belgorod, appealed to the regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, questioning how people would be able to find shelter in a city where the management companies are unknown even to the emergencies ministry’s regional department. Another resident named Sergei shared similar grievances from his town of Stary Oskol, where the lack of action from the local administration has left residents uncertain about where to seek shelter during shelling.
The issue of inadequate shelters in Belgorod has been an ongoing concern since the beginning of the war. However, the problem only gained attention after casualties were reported, highlighting the urgent need for proper shelter facilities. The absence of bomb shelters, lack of knowledge about their locations, and the failure to make these addresses public have left residents feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
It is crucial to note that officials in Belgorod refrained from disclosing the locations of official bomb shelters, fearing that it would make them targets for the Ukrainian military. Instead, they distributed a video instructing residents on how to protect themselves during an air raid, such as staying away from windows and seeking refuge on the ground floor or in basements. However, as the attacks continue to intensify, these makeshift safety guidelines prove to be insufficient and raise further concerns about the residents’ ability to survive such attacks.
Despite the growing dissatisfaction among the population, the regional governor has yet to respond publicly to the residents’ complaints. The lack of transparency and communication from the authorities exacerbates the already tense situation. The close historical ties between Belgorod and the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, coupled with the location of Belgorod in the border area, make it particularly vulnerable to the conflict. Many residents express pessimism about the future, believing that the shelling will persist and questioning whether any substantive changes will be made to improve their safety and well-being.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, it is essential for the authorities to prioritize the safety of the residents and take immediate action to address the issue of inadequate shelters. Clear communication, transparency, and the provision of reliable shelter facilities are of paramount importance to protect the lives of those living in close proximity to the border. It is crucial for the international community to be aware of the dire situation in Belgorod and advocate for the protection of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of this devastating conflict.
