KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed Ukrainian forces are operating inside Russia’s Belgorod region.
This marks the first public acknowledgment of Ukrainian troop activity beyond its borders.
In his Monday night video address, Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s presence in both Belgorod and Kursk regions.
These operations aim to defend Ukrainian border towns from Russian military threats.
Zelensky stated that these actions are fully justified by the need to protect Ukraine.
Ongoing Operations
The Ukrainian military remains present in parts of Russia’s Kursk region eight months after initial advances.
Though Russia has reclaimed some areas in Kursk, Ukraine retains control in certain positions.
Zelensky received a detailed frontline report from Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He emphasized the importance of taking the war back into Russian territory as a strategy.
Ukrainian units are conducting offensive actions to disrupt Russian attacks on Sumy and Kharkiv.
Strategic Goals
Ukraine’s main objective remains defending its border communities from ongoing Russian aggression.
Zelensky named the 225th Assault Regiment, praising their contributions in recent cross-border operations.
He congratulated the regiment for their role in protecting Ukraine’s northern regions.
The president said the Belgorod and Kursk actions are reducing Russian military pressure elsewhere.
He pointed out that enemy forces are being pulled away from Donetsk due to Ukraine’s tactics.
Donetsk Impact
The Donetsk region remains a central battlefield in the broader conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian raids into Russia are helping to ease attacks on Donetsk defenses.
By stretching Russian forces thin, Ukraine hopes to hold key positions in the east.
Last month, Zelensky hinted at actions inside Russia, without directly naming Belgorod.
That speech now appears to have foreshadowed the current public admission.
Combat Reports
Russian military bloggers have frequently reported on firefights within Belgorod involving Ukrainian soldiers.
They say clashes between the two sides have intensified near the Russian-Ukrainian border.
On Sunday, Russia claimed its troops took control of Basivka, a village in Sumy region.
Basivka sits directly across the border from Russia’s Kursk region.
Russian officials stated that their military continues attacking nearby Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian Response
Ukraine immediately denied Russia’s claim that Basivka had fallen into enemy hands.
A spokesperson rejected any confirmation that the northeastern village was under Russian occupation.
They emphasized that fighting continues but Ukrainian troops still hold key ground there.
This follows a pattern of conflicting claims from both sides during the war.
Territorial control often shifts, making real-time verification difficult in active zones.
Russian Plans
Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to create a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border.
He has suggested this move would increase Russia’s security from Ukrainian assaults.
Putin has not publicly addressed Ukraine’s confirmed military presence in Belgorod or Kursk.
However, state media continues to cover Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids.
Russia appears focused on defending its frontier while advancing elsewhere.
Military Tactics
Ukraine believes its actions in Belgorod and Kursk serve broader military objectives.
Zelensky stated that forcing Russia to divert resources is a deliberate wartime strategy.
He argues these incursions reduce pressure on heavily contested areas like Donetsk.
Despite recent Russian advances in Kursk, Ukraine views the operation as strategically beneficial.
Ukraine’s military has increased coordination to maintain defense lines while extending pressure inside Russia.
