In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out a "terrorist attack" on civilians in the city of Belgorod. The attack, which took place on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people and left dozens more injured. Moscow has vowed that the attack will not go unpunished.

The Russian authorities claimed that Ukraine targeted a sports center, an ice rink, and a university in an effort to increase the number of casualties. They alleged that cluster munitions, a controversial type of weapon, were used in the attack, making it a deliberate and indiscriminate strike against a civilian target.

The incident came just a day after Ukraine reported a barrage of Russian missile strikes on several cities, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 people and causing widespread destruction. The northeastern city of Kharkiv, in particular, experienced fresh strikes on Saturday, leading to additional casualties.

Belgorod, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Ukraine border, has been repeatedly targeted by what Russia claims to be indiscriminate shelling from Ukrainian forces. Unverified footage of the aftermath showed a street covered in debris and smoke billowing from burnt-out cars in the city center.

The death toll from the Belgorod attack includes at least three children, with a total of 17 children among the 110 wounded. The Kremlin confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the incident, and the Russian Defense Ministry issued a warning that the strike would not go unpunished.

In response to the attack, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused the United States and Britain of inciting the Ukrainian government to carry out terrorist actions. However, Ukrainian officials have not yet commented on the allegations made by Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian rescuers continue to search through the rubble in the aftermath of the Russian missile strikes that took place the day before. Schools, a maternity hospital, shopping arcades, and residential buildings were among the targets of the intense barrage, eliciting international condemnation.

As a result of the escalating violence, three more people were killed by Russian strikes in Ukraine on Saturday, and Kharkiv experienced further rocket attacks that wounded 20 individuals and damaged various buildings, including a hotel, a kindergarten, and shops.

In response to these developments, Ukraine has declared January 1 as a day of mourning in the capital city of Kyiv, which experienced at least 17 fatalities. The United Nations has strongly condemned the attacks and has called for an immediate halt to the violence.

Poland also reported that a Russian missile briefly entered its airspace during the Friday attacks. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg expressed solidarity with Poland and stated that NATO remains vigilant in the face of continued Russian assaults.

Amidst these escalating tensions, Ukraine is urging its Western allies to maintain military support. US President Joe Biden has called on Congress to quickly approve new aid for Ukraine, warning that failure to do so will hinder the supply of crucial weaponry and air defense systems needed to protect the Ukrainian people.

In a show of solidarity, Britain has announced that it will send hundreds more air-defense missiles to Kyiv, emphasizing the importance of standing with Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is approaching its second anniversary in February, shows no signs of abating. The international community remains concerned about the escalating violence and its impact on civilian lives. Immediate action and diplomatic efforts are needed to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution.

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