A mystery new weapon may have been used in a strike on the eastern Russian city of Belgorod that damaged a shopping center and left a number of people dead and injured, according to local reports.
Powerful explosions were reported on Thursday in Belgorod, which houses several Russian military bases and training grounds. Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti reported that a shopping center on Plekhanov Street was heavily damaged as a result of a missile attack on the city.
The Belgorod region has been rocked by explosions and mysterious fires throughout Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, with local authorities regularly reporting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the area.
Moscow Telegraf said in a post on Telegram that locals reported hearing "sounds they've not heard before", fueling speculation about a new type of missile.
"Local residents are writing in chats that a new type of weapon was used," the channel said.
RIA Novosti reported that at least two people were killed. It said the shopping center was severely damaged. Windows were shattered and the façade of the building and cars parked nearby were damaged.
The news agency cited the Russian defense ministry as accusing Ukraine of attacking the region with Czech RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). In January, Moscow said it thwarted an attack using the same missiles launched by Kyiv.
Telegram channel 112 reported that four people were killed and a further seven injured as a result of the attack. Telegram channel Mash reported that six had been killed and 10 were wounded.
The Baza Telegram channel, which is linked to Russia's security services, said at least five people were killed in the strike.
"One of the [missiles] hit a shopping center. Doctors and police are at the scene," the channel said.
Ukraine hasn't claimed responsibly for the attack. Kyiv rarely comments on strikes that occur on Russian soil.
Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has yet to comment on the attack, but he said earlier on Thursday that a "missile warning siren" had been set off in the region.
"If you are at home, do not go near the windows. Take shelter in rooms without windows with solid walls (hallway, bathroom, toilet, pantry). If you are outside, go to a shelter or other safe place," Gladkov said on his Telegram channel.
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About the writer
Isabel van Brugen is a Newsweek Reporter based in Kuala Lumpur. Her focus is reporting on the Russia-Ukraine war. Isabel ... Read more
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