Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow would respond harshly to attacks on Russian soil after Russian jets and artillery fought off an armed group that crossed from Ukraine. The incursion was the most serious since Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine last year. Fighting in Russia’s Belgorod region lasted for days. Shoigu said that they will continue to respond promptly and extremely harshly to such actions by Ukrainian militants.
He also reported that Russian forces killed more than 70 Ukrainian terrorists and destroyed armed vehicles during the skirmishes, though AFP is unable to independently verify those claims. Moscow said that the remaining fighters had been driven back across the border. Members of two anti-Kremlin groups claimed responsibility for the incursion, while Kyiv denied official involvement.
Shoigu also announced that wounded soldiers and the families of the dead will be given grants of up to 5 million rubles ($62,550) and have loans paid off.
