Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Troop Activity Inside Russia's Belgorod Region

• Apr 8, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has, for the first time, publicly confirmed that Ukrainian forces are conducting operations within Russia's Belgorod region, which shares a border with Ukraine.

“We continue active operations in enemy border areas, and that is absolutely justified—war must return to where it came from,” Zelensky said in a video address on Monday. His remarks also referenced operations in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine maintains a limited presence following a major offensive last year. Moscow has since regained control of most of that territory.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s primary objective is to defend its own border regions—specifically Sumy and Kharkiv—and to relieve pressure on other parts of the front line, particularly the embattled eastern Donetsk region.

Russia’s military had previously reported attempted Ukrainian incursions into the Belgorod region, claiming to have repelled such attacks. The contested areas lie just across the Russian border, close to Ukrainian territory.

The confirmation of Ukrainian military presence in Russia comes more than two years after President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia continues to occupy roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Zelensky also addressed recent developments in the conflict, including a Russian missile strike on his hometown, Kryvyi Rih, which killed 20 people—including nine children—last Friday. Funerals were held for the victims earlier on Monday.

In his evening address, Zelensky said he had received updates from Ukraine’s top commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, on the evolving front-line situation, including operations in Belgorod and Kursk. He thanked several military units, notably the 225th Assault Regiment currently operating in Belgorod, for their efforts.

“Well done, guys! I’m proud of each and every one of you fighting for Ukraine!” Zelensky said, though he provided no additional details.

This marks Zelensky’s first explicit confirmation of Ukrainian military operations inside Belgorod. On March 18, he had previously hinted at such activity, telling reporters, “There is an operation there,” when asked about Russian claims of repelled incursions in the western Belgorod region.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dismissed accusations by the U.S. and European nations that it is obstructing efforts—reportedly led by U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump—to negotiate a ceasefire. Trump, speaking to reporters Monday, said he was "not happy about what’s going on" and accused Russia of “bombing like crazy right now.”