President Volodymyr Zelensky recently confirmed that Ukrainian forces have carried out operations inside Russia’s Belgorod region, a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. On Monday, Zelensky declared that Ukraine continues to conduct military missions in enemy territory near the border, emphasizing that these actions are a justified response to Russian aggression.
Zelensky’s Statement on Cross-Border Operations
In a statement, Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted that the Ukrainian forces’ operations within Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions were part of efforts to reclaim control and defend Ukrainian land. He made it clear that Ukraine’s goal was to push the war back to its origin, striking at Russian military positions beyond their own borders. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian troops continue to hold positions in parts of the Kursk region, despite Russian attempts to reclaim it.
The Ukrainian president noted that the situation in Belgorod is part of a broader strategy to relieve pressure on the Ukrainian frontlines. He stressed the importance of defending the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, which are located near the Russian border. Zelensky also expressed the need to ease the military pressure on the Donetsk region, where heavy fighting continues.
Updates on Operations in Belgorod and Kursk
Zelensky’s announcement followed briefings from Ukraine’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi. The president received updates on operations in both Belgorod and Kursk, areas that have seen increasing military activity from Ukrainian forces.
In his late Monday address, Zelensky expressed pride in the Ukrainian troops fighting in Belgorod. He specifically praised the 225th Assault Regiment, stationed in Belgorod, calling their work “excellent” and expressing deep admiration for their courage and commitment to defending Ukraine. He did not disclose further operational details, keeping specifics about troop movements and mission goals vague.
This was Zelensky’s first direct acknowledgment of Ukrainian forces operating inside Belgorod. Previously, on March 18, he had only hinted at such operations, stating vaguely that “there is an operation there.” At that time, Russia had claimed that Ukrainian troops had attempted, but failed, to enter the Belgorod region. Moscow reported that it had repelled Ukrainian forces near the villages of Demidovka and Prilesye, which are close to the Ukrainian border.
Fighting in Belgorod: Reports of Clashes
Despite Moscow’s official denials, independent sources and military bloggers have reported clashes in Demidovka, a village just two kilometers from the border. The US-based Institute for the Study of War also referenced these reports, noting that Ukrainian forces have moved close to Demidovka and Prilesye. However, the institute cautioned that these claims had not been independently verified by observers.
In recent days, there have been reports of Ukrainian troops withdrawing from the vicinity of Demidovka. While these moves suggest a smaller scale operation than the one in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces captured multiple villages, it still points to a sustained Ukrainian presence inside Russian-held territory. One of the key towns captured during last year’s offensive in Kursk was Sudzha, a significant location in the region.
Zelensky and Ukrainian military officials argue that such operations force Russia to divert its resources and troops, potentially weakening their presence in other areas like Donetsk, where Russian forces continue to make incremental gains.
Strategic Considerations: Ukraine’s Long-Term Goals
As the conflict drags on, analysts have speculated that Ukraine may be seeking to gain leverage in any future peace negotiations by controlling captured Russian territories. Some experts believe that Kyiv could use these areas as bargaining chips, trading them for Ukrainian regions currently under Russian occupation.
There are also questions about the effectiveness and risks of such cross-border operations. While the missions may help Ukraine pressure Russian forces and disrupt their plans, they come with significant risks. High casualty rates and the challenge of resupplying troops in such hostile and far-reaching territories are major concerns.
Impact on Russia’s Military Strategy
The continued Ukrainian presence inside Russian territory has led to further strain on Russia’s military operations. The need to secure the Belgorod and Kursk regions diverts Russian attention from other parts of the front, particularly in Donetsk, where the fighting remains intense. Ukrainian officials argue that these operations are strategic in weakening Russian positions and providing relief to Ukraine’s forces on other fronts.
The operations are also seen as a response to Russia’s increasingly aggressive tactics, which have involved heavy shelling and airstrikes on Ukrainian cities and military targets. Ukraine’s push into Russian territory serves as a symbolic act of defiance, showing that they are capable of carrying out missions deep inside enemy lines.
The Future of Cross-Border Operations
As the war continues, the question of cross-border operations and their long-term impact remains a key issue. While Ukraine’s forces have been successful in making inroads into Russian territory, the risks involved are high. The possibility of escalation, both militarily and diplomatically, is ever-present, especially as Russia continues to deny Ukraine’s presence on its soil.
For Ukraine, the operations in Belgorod and Kursk are not just military strategies but also symbolic acts of resistance. They send a clear message that Ukraine is determined to fight back and defend its sovereignty, regardless of the challenges it faces. The next phase of the conflict will likely depend on how both sides respond to these increasingly bold actions.