President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are operating on Russian territory near the border, stating that “war must return to where it came from.” His remarks referred specifically to ongoing operations in the Russian Kursk and Belgorod regions.
In a Monday night address, Zelensky said Ukraine’s main goal is to defend its own border areas, particularly Sumy and Kharkiv, and reduce Russian pressure on the eastern Donetsk front. He acknowledged the involvement of the 225th Assault Regiment in operations within Belgorod, praising their efforts and expressing pride in their service.
It marked Zelensky’s most direct acknowledgment yet of Ukrainian troop activity in Belgorod, although he had previously hinted at operations there earlier in March. At that time, Russian officials reported repelling Ukrainian advances toward Belgorod villages such as Demidovka and Prilesye—claims echoed by Russian military bloggers, though later reports suggested Ukrainian forces had partially withdrawn.
While the incursions into Belgorod appear to be limited, Ukraine reportedly made more substantial gains in the Kursk region last year, temporarily seizing villages, including Sudzha, before Russia reclaimed most of the territory.
According to the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops recently made limited gains near Demidovka and were consolidating their positions, though these claims remain unverified.
Zelensky and top commanders have maintained that cross-border operations are strategically intended to force Russian troops to redeploy away from the Donetsk front, where Moscow has been gradually advancing. Some analysts suggest Ukraine may be using these limited incursions to gain leverage in potential future negotiations, possibly offering to withdraw in exchange for the return of occupied Ukrainian regions.
However, military experts in both Ukraine and the West have raised concerns about the costs of such offensives, citing heavy casualties and dwindling weapon supplies.
