**Ukraine’s President Reveals Troops Active in Russia’s Belgorod Region**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly acknowledged for the first time that his troops are operating in Russia’s Belgorod region. This admission comes as Ukraine continues to face off against Russian forces along their shared border.
Zelensky emphasized that these operations are justified and necessary to push back against Russia’s aggression. He stated, “We continue to carry out active operations in the border areas on enemy territory, and that is absolutely just – war must return to where it came from.” The Ukrainian leader also referenced Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine still holds a small area after a major offensive last year.
The president’s comments highlight the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Moscow has been accused of dragging its feet on implementing a ceasefire, despite US and European pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, resulting in significant territorial losses for Kyiv.
**A Glimpse into the Conflict**
Zelensky’s admission marks a turning point in the conflict, as Ukrainian troops have been suspected of operating in Belgorod for some time. Russia had previously reported attempting to rebuff Ukrainian incursions into its territory. However, several Russian military bloggers have claimed that fighting took place in Demidovka, a village just two kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has also suggested that Ukrainian forces may have advanced in Belgorod, but such claims remain unconfirmed. Analysts believe that around 12km2 of the Belgorod region is still under Ukrainian control, with approximately 60km2 in Kursk remaining in Ukrainian hands.
**A Shift in Strategy?**
The operation in Belgorod appears to be on a smaller scale compared to Ukraine’s actions in Kursk. Zelensky has stated that his primary objective is to protect Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv border regions, while easing pressure on the Donetsk region. Some analysts have questioned the military expediency of these operations, citing reported high combat casualties and supply difficulties.
However, others believe that Kyiv may be attempting to exchange Russian-held areas for Ukrainian territories in any future peace negotiations pushed by the US. The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on both sides, with civilians and soldiers suffering from the relentless fighting.
**A Response from Trump**
US President Donald Trump expressed his discontent with the situation, stating he was “not happy about what’s going on” and accusing Russia of “bombing like crazy right now.” The comments come as tensions between Washington and Moscow continue to escalate.
As the conflict rages on, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the broader landscape. One thing is certain: the war in Ukraine shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
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