Orthodox Christmas midnight masses in the city of Belgorod near the Russia-Ukraine border have been canceled, authorities in the city said on January 6, a day after officials offered to evacuate worried residents amid increasing attacks. The mayor of Belgorod, Valentin Demidov, said on social media he agreed with local church leaders that "night masses in Belgorod would be canceled in connection to the operational situation." Ukrainian forces have hit Belgorod with near daily attacks in recent days, the deadliest of which killed 25 people on December 30.
Russia Cancels Orthodox Christmas Masses In Ukraine Border City
Rescue workers in Belgorod extinguish burning cars after what Russian authorities said was a Ukrainian military strike on the city on December 30.