"Escalating Ukrainian Attacks Prompt Russian Border Region Closures and Accusations"

Schools and malls in parts of the Russian region of Belgorod will be closed due to increased Ukrainian attacks, with the city of Belgorod also affected. The attacks have brought the war in Ukraine to Russians largely isolated from the conflict, with at least five people reported killed and several dozen wounded in the last week. The situation has prompted safety concerns, and voting in a poll expected to see Vladimir Putin returned to power as president is ongoing. Additionally, Ukraine's security service carried out drone strikes on three oil refineries in Russia's Samara region, and local residents have been posting videos of explosions and fires from the attacks.