Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that his country’s troops are carrying out missions inside Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions. These actions aim to protect Ukraine’s border cities and ease pressure along the frontlines.
In a video address on Monday, President Zelensky said Ukrainian forces are actively operating in parts of Russia close to the border. He named the Belgorod and Kursk regions as key areas of military activity. According to him, these operations are part of Ukraine’s broader defense strategy and are meant to bring the war back to where it started.
Zelensky stressed that the goal is to defend Sumy and Kharkiv—two Ukrainian regions close to the Russian border. He also said that easing the strain on other areas, like the eastern Donetsk region, remains a top priority.
Ukraine’s Continued Presence in Russian Territory
President Zelensky’s comments follow earlier reports by Russian officials that Ukraine had tried to enter the Belgorod region. Moscow claimed all such attempts had failed. But Zelensky’s latest message is the first clear confirmation that Ukrainian soldiers are, in fact, on Russian soil.
He said that General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top military leader, informed him of the operations. The president also praised the 225th Assault Regiment, which is currently active in the Belgorod region.
“I’m proud of our troops,” Zelensky said, without giving further details. “They continue to defend Ukraine under very difficult conditions.”
Reports of Fighting Near Russian Border Villages
While Ukraine has confirmed its presence, it has not shared specific military plans or outcomes. In mid-March, Zelensky only hinted that Ukrainian forces were carrying out cross-border actions. At that time, he chose not to confirm Russian claims that Ukraine tried to advance into Belgorod.
Russian sources said Ukrainian troops attempted to enter the villages of Demidovka and Prilesye. They claimed those forces were stopped at the border. However, later reports from Russian military bloggers suggested that fighting had taken place inside Demidovka.
A well-known U.S.-based research group also reported that Ukrainian units had made progress near these areas. The group said Ukrainian soldiers were working to secure territory around Prilesye. These claims have not yet been independently verified.
Kyiv’s Strategy: Shift Russian Focus from Donetsk
Military experts believe Ukraine’s actions in Belgorod and Kursk serve a larger purpose. By creating pressure on the Russian side of the border, Ukraine hopes to force Moscow to move troops away from Donetsk, where the fighting has been intense.
In Kursk, Ukraine reportedly captured several settlements, including the town of Sudzha. Though Ukraine’s presence in Belgorod is smaller, it still requires Russia to respond, stretching its forces across a wider area.
Some Ukrainian officials say this tactic helps relieve their soldiers in the east, who face daily attacks. Others argue that controlling Russian territory—even temporarily—could give Ukraine leverage in future peace talks.
Questions Remain About Impact and Cost
Despite some gains, experts are divided on how effective these operations are. Ukraine is facing shortages in ammunition and has reported high casualty rates. Military analysts have asked whether the cost of such missions is too high compared to the benefits.
For now, Ukraine appears determined to keep pressure on Russia by opening new fronts. The long war has entered a new phase, where attacks across the border may become more common.
Ukraine has not shared how long it plans to keep troops in Belgorod or Kursk. But President Zelensky’s message makes clear that these missions are now a part of Kyiv’s defense playbook.