Zelensky confirms Ukrainian troops operating in Belgorod region

In early April 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged for the first time that his forces are engaged in operations within Russia's Belgorod region. This declaration marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it involves Ukrainian military actions on Russian soil, which had previously been the subject of speculation. Zelensky articulated that these operations aim to safeguard Ukraine's border regions, specifically Sumy and Kharkiv, by relieving pressure from Russian forces, particularly in the eastern Donetsk area. The statement also referred to Ukraine’s continuous military engagement in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops still hold a small territory after earlier advances. According to military reports from the US-based Institute for the Study of War, Ukrainian forces have reportedly been advancing in Belgorod, leading to various unconfirmed claims among Russian military bloggers about these incursions. Furthermore, President Zelensky highlighted the efforts and sacrifices of specific units, notably the 225th Assault Regiment, which operates in the Belgorod region. His acknowledgment of these on-ground troop movements indicates a strategic shift that involves active combat efforts on the borders of Russia, as opposed to remaining exclusively within Ukrainian territory. This approach could also be seen as a reflection of the ongoing pressures and challenges faced by both Russian and Ukrainian forces along the front lines. The incursion into Belgorod could be perceived as an attempt by Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength should peace talks arise in the future, potentially exchanging territories held by Ukrainian forces for those occupied by Russia. While these military strategies have met with some skepticism from analysts regarding their tactical efficacy, Zelensky maintains that they are justified due to the ongoing nature of the war and the need to counter Russian aggression effectively.