Attacks by Russian partisans from Ukraine: Russians evacuate in Belgorod, play down the situation – and criticize the West

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Russian anti-Putin partisans attacked the town of Shebekino in the Russian province of Belgorod on Thursday. The attack, about seven kilometers from the border, marks the second partisan attack in Russia in less than two weeks.

The governor of the Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov (54), spoke of “continuous attacks” with 12 injured and 29 buildings damaged within 24 hours. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, “civil facilities” were bombed, including a kindergarten.

While the Kremlin is downplaying the situation and insisting that the attacks have not affected the “military special operation” in Ukraine, the Russians have begun evacuating people from Schebekino. Photos taken on June 1 show residents evacuated from the embattled city being housed in the Belgorod Sports Arena, a hastily built emergency shelter.

Putin speaks of victory

Meanwhile, the Kremlin says it is in control. Putin spokesman Dmitiri Peskov, 55, said: “Of course this cannot affect the course of the military operation,” he told the Russian news agency Tass. President Vladimir Putin (79) is in “constant working contact” with local authorities. Peskow again criticized the international response to the incidents. “The regime in Kiev has still not been criticized with a single word.”

Motorized infantry companies escorted by tanks attempted to enter the Belgorod region from Ukraine on Thursday, according to the Moscow Defense Ministry. “In total, 70 attackers, five tanks, four armored vehicles, seven pick-ups and one truck were involved.” More than 50 Ukrainian fighters were killed. The attack was stopped with fighter jets and artillery.

Meanwhile, President Putin remains convinced of Russia’s triumph in Ukraine. Speaking at an event in Moscow on Thursday, the Kremlin leader said: “I know that victory will always be ours. We will win, it is clear that there is no other way. And I think that in the end our country will guarantee for peace and security for all peoples, for all countries of the world,” Putin said, according to Tass. “There’s absolutely no doubt about that.” (kes)

Source: Blick