Belgorod, the administrative center of Russia's Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine, has remained peaceful despite Ukrainian military attacks on Kursk, about 150 kilometers to the north, that prompted the region to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday.
Some residents in the city have begun relocating, but others said in interviews with China Global Television Network (CGTN) that life is normal in the city, which lies about 40 kilometers north of Russia's border with Ukraine, and they're not planning on leaving.
"This is my home. I was born here and I grew up here. So, I think I have no other place to go. This is my homeland. Well, of course, there are places to go and you can always find options in extreme situations, but at the moment, I don't see the point in leaving. It's better to face things head-on and not be afraid, especially not to panic," said one male resident.
"Quiet, calm, no one is going crazy, everything is calm. People are walking. I walk the streets calmly, buses are running, everything is fine," said another.
"No changes, everything is fine. The shops are open and everything we need is working," a female resident said.
"The shops are mostly open now, everyone is moving. Most people here in the city have stayed because everyone has an apartment here and everyone has relatives, so the city hasn't died. Everything is moving and everything is fine here," said another female resident.
Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks
Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks
Life remains peaceful in Russia's Belgorod city amid Ukrainian attacks
