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Military operation in Ukraine

Russian Orthodox patriarch blasts Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod as ‘cruel and despicable’

There is no doubt that this is a crime of terrorism. It is directed against innocent people, aims to intimidate our people and bring confusion into society, Patriarch Kirill said

MOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia’s Patriarch Kirill slammed the Ukrainian shelling of Belgorod as a "cruel and despicable" attack that serves no military purposes.

"There is no doubt that this is a crime of terrorism. It is directed against innocent people, aims to intimidate our people and bring confusion into society. Such a cruel and despicable attack cannot be justified by citing military necessity," he said in a statement on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Patriarch expressed hope that the regional authorities would do everything possible for the victims and anyone affected by the disaster, while the clergy and volunteers of the Belgorod diocese "will support those who are grieving and suffering." He also said that he had instructed the Synodal Department for Charity of the Moscow Patriarchate to team up with other church departments and immediately provide assistance to people in need.

Ukrainian forces attacked Belgorod and some other areas in the surrounding region, killing five people and injuring 52 others. In Belgorod, 15 apartment building sustained damage.

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