Shebekino, a city of 40,000 on the border, has come under artillery fire of unprecedented intensity in recent days. Thousands of residents have taken refuge in Belgorod, the regional capital, some 30 km to the northwest.
On Thursday, the Russian military said it had repelled a Ukrainian "invasion" attempt in the region, a week after a spectacular incursion by gunmen laid bare the vulnerability of Russia's borders.Evacuees AFP spoke to say they were satisfied with their welcome in Bel Gorod, organised in a calm and professional manner.