Desperate times

Photos show how the Russian town of Belgorod is fortifying bus stops to protect residents from shelling

Authorities in Russia’s Belgorod have begun fortifying the city’s public transport stops with sandbags and concrete amid an increase in shelling from across the Ukrainian border.

As of Friday morning, 14 of the city’s stops had been fortified, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Nine of them were reinforced with sandbags and five with concrete blocks.

Gladkov stressed that the authorities will take the wishes of residents into account. According to local media, many residents have expressed doubts about the ability of the bricks and sandbags to protect them in a shelling attack. The governor responded by saying the protective measures are being carried out “in accordance with the recommendations of specialists.”