Russia restricts entry to border areas in southern Belgorod region

23/7/2024 13:04

        Russia's southern region of Belgorod is restricting entry from Tuesday to 14 areas on the border with Ukraine that are subject to heavy attack from Kyiv's forces, measures that appeared to be part of a Kremlin strategy to set up a border buffer zone.
        
        Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the restrictions applied to the localities "where the pertaining operational situation is extremely difficult," according to the Interfax news agency.
        
        The move follows on from the Kremlin's order to protect Russian territory from Ukrainian attacks and secure areas and facilities so they are beyond the range of Ukrainian fire.
        
        Under the restrictions, outlined by Gladkov last week in a video posted on the Telegram messaging app, checkpoints are to be set up outside the localities, public transport is barred and anyone wishing to visit must advise local authorities in advance.