Ukrainian troops operating in Russia’s Belgorod region, admits Zelenskyy for first time
Updated: Apr 9th, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accepted for the first time that Ukrainian forces are conducting military operations inside Russia’s Belgorod region, marking a significant admission in the ongoing war with Russia.
In a public address, Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukrainian troop activity not only in Belgorod but also in Kursk, another Russian region that borders Ukraine. The move underscores a strategic shift as Ukraine pushes the battle beyond its borders in an effort to weaken Russian offensive capabilities.
“We continue to carry out active operations in the border areas on enemy territory, and this is just—war must return to where it came from,” Zelensky said, confirming the cross-border actions.
The President’s remarks followed a report by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, who briefed him on operations in Kursk, Belgorod, and in the so-called ‘gray zone’ along the border. Zelenskyy said the operations were aimed at protecting Ukrainian communities in Sumy and Kharkiv, regions that have faced ongoing Russian attacks.
He stressed that Ukrainian troops are not only defending territory but also inflicting significant damage on Russian logistics and equipment. The Kursk operation, in particular, has helped ease pressure on other critical fronts, including the embattled Donetsk region.
“It is absolutely crucial to keep destroying Russian equipment and all logistics used by the occupiers,” Zelenskyy said, thanking Ukrainian units for their success in weakening the Russian military’s capabilities.
This is the first time Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged direct Ukrainian military operations on Russian soil.
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