Tragic Shelling in Belgorod: Civilians Caught in Crossfire

Five civilians died and 12 others were injured in a shelling by Ukraine on the town of Rakitnoye in Russia's Belgorod region. The injured include three children, with a 16-year-old girl in intensive care. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the ongoing conflict.

Five civilians died and 12 others were injured after Ukraine shelled the town of Rakitnoye in Russia's Belgorod region, according to the governor on Sunday.

Among the injured are three children, Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine, reported on the Telegram messaging app. Nine of the injured were hospitalized, with six listed in serious condition, including a 16-year-old girl in intensive care.

"We will definitely help everyone who suffered," Gladkov said on Telegram. "Our task now is to endure, to overcome trials, to cope with trouble." Reuters was unable to independently verify these reports, and there was no immediate comment from Ukraine.

Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the war, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)