Since yesterday, according to local authorities, Belgorod region has been under fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU). In Shebekino, a dormitory caught fire, and the administration building was damaged. The city is without water and electricity, and shops and transportation are not functioning.
The regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, stated that the fire on Shebekino was caused by the Grad rocket launchers. As a result of the shelling, 12 people have been hospitalized, four of them in serious condition.
Although it is impossible to verify the authorities’ statements in wartime conditions, photographic and video evidence leaves no doubt: Belgorod region is indeed under fire. This is happening against the backdrop of reports of a raid on the region by the “Russian Volunteer Corps” and the “Freedom of Russia” legion.
The “Vesna” movement condemns the shelling, which harms civilians and objects, regardless of whose flag or goals these actions are carried out under. This has been our position since the beginning of the war, and it does not matter to us which country’s citizens become victims — whether from Ukraine or Russia. All parties to the conflict must adhere to international humanitarian law.
We also appeal to the Russian democratic opposition: let us talk more about what is happening in Belgorod region, actively help the victims, and explain to our fellow citizens that the only way to bring back peaceful skies above our heads is to withdraw troops from Ukraine and establish peace.
The authorities are already using the shelling of Belgorod region in their pro-war discourse. They are convincing citizens that it is necessary to fight harder and bomb more, as this is a struggle for survival. Given that the opposition remains silent, these ideas are likely to prevail in the mass consciousness.
This is why our task is to provide Russians with an alternative, anti-war idea. We urge you to speak out about what is happening and carry out mass agitation with a clear message: such shelling is not something we should tolerate, but we can only stop it if we act — and the only way to do that is by withdrawing troops.
Speak out, write posts, create leaflets, and encourage your activists to agitate! And remember, to do this effectively, we need to abandon demophobia, stop looking at our fellow citizens with contempt and hatred, and speak from a position of moral equality.
Additionally, we cannot fail to note that hundreds of people who have been affected by the shelling need financial and psychological help. Providing this assistance is another way of building bridges between society and the anti-war movement.
