For the first time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his troops are actively operating in the Russian Belgorod region, in a significant escalation of the war.
In a nightly video address, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s military presence in both the Belgorod and Kursk regions, marking a major shift as the conflict moves beyond Ukraine’s borders. This is the first official acknowledgement by Ukraine of its forces being involved in operations within Russian territory.
“We continue to carry out active operations in the border areas on enemy territory, and this is absolutely justified to protect our land and our communities,” Zelenskyy said. He further explained that the military action was focused on defending Ukrainian towns near the border in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, which have been under threat from Russian forces.
Zelenskyy added that the primary goal was to ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens and territories from Russian occupation. He described the conflict as one that must return to the place where it began, on Russian soil.
Ukrainian Forces and Cross-Border Incursions
This is the first official confirmation by Ukraine that its troops have entered the Belgorod region, although reports of battles there have emerged in recent weeks from Russian military bloggers. Ukrainian forces have also been active in parts of Kursk, although Russia has reportedly recaptured some of the territory lost during earlier cross-border incursions.
On Tuesday, Russia’s defence ministry claimed to have intercepted 23 Ukrainian drones targeting both Kursk and Belgorod regions, adding to the growing military tension along the border.
Ukraine’s Military Strategy
Zelenskyy emphasised the strategic importance of operations in Kursk, stating that the operation had helped ease pressure on other parts of the front. Specifically, he pointed to the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces have been fighting to hold back Russian advances.
“Thanks to the entire Kursk operation, we have managed to ease the pressure on other parts of the front, particularly in the Donetsk region,” Zelenskyy said, acknowledging the importance of damaging Russian equipment and logistics.
The operation in Kursk was a focused military effort, with the aim of disrupting Russian supply lines and reducing pressure on Ukrainian positions in other regions.
Casualties and Continued Fighting
In the wake of escalating violence, Ukraine has also suffered heavy civilian casualties. On Monday, Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Zelenskyy, held funerals for 20 people killed by a Russian missile attack that struck apartment buildings and a playground. Nine of the victims were children, and more than 70 people were wounded in the attack, which occurred late Friday evening.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued to intensify their attacks on villages around the city of Pokrovsk, a key logistical hub in the east of Ukraine. Despite multiple attempts by Russian troops to encircle the city, Ukrainian forces have so far managed to slow their advances.
International Efforts for Ceasefire
Amid the continued fighting, former US President Donald Trump has reportedly been attempting to mediate a temporary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, the prospects for a ceasefire remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the United States will continue to provide military aid to Ukraine in the future.
The fighting continues with no immediate end in sight, and military operations show no sign of slowing as both sides remain deeply entrenched.
This marks a crucial moment in the conflict, with both sides locked in a fierce struggle, and the international community watching closely as military operations intensify along the border regions.
