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Belgorod Residents Evacuated After Mystery Explosion Creates Crater

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

On January 21, 2026, authorities evacuated residents from high-rise apartments in Belgorod after ammunition created a large crater.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said defense ministry explosives experts were on-site to assess the situation.
Mayor Valentin Demidov urged residents to wait for clearance before returning.
Buses were arranged to assist evacuations.
The Belgorod region, about 40 km from Ukraine, remains under frequent targeting, with the ammunition’s type remaining unclear.

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Story summary

On January 21, 2026, authorities evacuated residents from high-rise apartments in Belgorod after ammunition created a large crater.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said defense ministry explosives experts were on-site to assess the situation.
Mayor Valentin Demidov urged residents to wait for clearance before returning.
Buses were arranged to assist evacuations.
The Belgorod region, about 40 km from Ukraine, remains under frequent targeting, with the ammunition’s type remaining unclear.