Ukraine has endured nearly two years of devastating war, following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of its borders.
But the contours of the conflict have stretched into Belgorod, a Russian border oblast that has been accidentally bombed by its own military, attacked by anti-Kremlin militia groups and watched hostile drones streak across its skies.
Most recently, a jarring Dec. 30 attack on the city of Belgorod shocked residents, killed at least 20 civilians, and raised the ire of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian authorities have blamed Kyiv for that event, as well as ongoing shelling and drone attacks across the border region. Ukraine typically has not confirmed its efforts to retaliate against the Russian aggressions outside its borders.
Analysts say Belgorod lies
