Belgorod governor: ‘A majority of the population has left’ the Grayvoron area

Residents of the Grayvoron district, in Russia’s Belgorod region, have reportedly decided to leave the region. The local authorities say that “Ukrainian saboteurs” infiltrated the area on May 22.

“The situation in Grayvoron remains tense. A sabotage and reconnaissance group entered the territory. Most of the population has left the area. We’re helping to transport those who aren’t able to go by themselves, and those who can are leaving in their personal vehicles,” said Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov during a livestream on Russian social network site VKontakte.

The local authorities have not officially ordered evacuations.

“Everyone who has left the Grayvoron area, if you’re not able to find housing, please contact the local authorities in your new location. Orders are in place and temporary accommodations have been prepared,” said Gladkov. He also assured residents that the houses they left would be protected.