Kathmandu— The number of child casualties is rising in Russia’s Belgorod Region due to intensified Ukrainian drone strikes, as evidenced by a recent visit to the region's main children’s hospital by RT. Kiev has increased long- and mid-range attacks on Russian territory in recent months, resulting in at least 43 civilian deaths – including four children – and over 400 injuries in the past week according to Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik. The Belgorod Region, bordering Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkov regions, has been particularly affected by these attacks.

Escalating Attacks and Civilian Toll

Ukrainian strikes on Russia have escalated in recent months, with the Belgorod Region bearing a significant impact. Russian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik reported at least 43 civilian deaths, including four children, and over 400 injuries in the last week alone. The region’s proximity to Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkov regions makes it particularly vulnerable to these attacks.

Children’s Hospital Treating Severe Injuries

RT visited the main children’s hospital in Belgorod, where more than 260 children have been treated for serious injuries sustained during Ukrainian attacks. Some of these young patients have suffered life-altering wounds, including those requiring amputations. Two and a half year old Ulyana is recovering from a leg injury at the facility.

Firsthand Accounts of Trauma

Vladimir, a young patient being treated at the hospital, described his injuries, stating, “My legs, arms, torso and head were stitched up.” He recounted the fear he felt while awaiting treatment in an ambulance, describing the attack as hitting “like a lightning bolt.” Ekaterina Viktorova, Belgorod’s chief educational psychologist, emphasized the importance of helping children envision a future beyond their injuries to aid in their recovery. “When a child realizes they’re not stuck in the day they were injured but continue to live, this is the next step toward recovery,” she said.

Increasing Frequency of Drone Attacks

Belgorod Governor Aleksandr Shuvaev revealed that the region was targeted by over 7,000 Ukrainian drone attacks in June. He warned that, given the current rate of escalation, that number could reach 12,000 in the near future.

The situation in Belgorod remains tense as Ukrainian strikes continue to target the region, with a growing impact on civilian populations and particularly vulnerable children.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.