Russian Soldiers Loot and Wreck Recreational Resort in Belgorod Region

Russian troops have reportedly looted and vandalized a once-popular vacation resort in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka, Belgorod region, according to local outlet Pepel on April 23.

The “Malinovka” resort had been closed and closed down since May 2023 due to ongoing shelling of the Shebekino district from the Ukrainian side.

Soon after the resort was shut down, Russian soldiers unlawfully seized the property. Over the next several months, it was occupied by multiple military units, including Wagner Group fighters and at least two other detachments led by commanders using the call signs “Ryazan” and “Strazh.”

These groups reportedly claimed they were “ordered” to move in.

When the troops relocated in early 2025, they left the property in ruins. Windows and doors were smashed, furniture destroyed, and nearly every room ransacked.

Among the stolen items were refrigerators, kitchen appliances, a commercial grill, two billiard tables, pool pumps, 160 aluminum radiators, 400 meters of plastic piping, 200 square meters of carpeting, and even an inflatable boat. Soldiers also drained 400 liters of antifreeze from the resort’s heating system.

According to Pepel, the resort’s owners filed a complaint with investigators back on February 10, providing a detailed list of 37 stolen items. But so far, there’s been no word on any investigation results.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia had stolen more than 1.7 million items of Ukrainian cultural heritage from temporarily occupied territories and is trafficking many of them on the black market. However, through cooperation with international partners, Ukraine is gradually recovering these stolen artifacts.

Donate to Demine Schools, Forests and Hospitals in Ukraine

Help clear 3 Ukrainian regions from Russian explosive ordnance.

Completed