Mon Apr 07 22:52:00 UTC 2025: **Zelenskyy Confirms Ukrainian Troops Operating in Russia’s Belgorod Region**
**Kiev, April 8, 2025** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly confirmed for the first time on Monday that Ukrainian forces are operating within Russia’s Belgorod region. This confirmation follows months of speculation and reports from Russian military bloggers. Zelenskyy stated that the actions are a necessary response to protect Ukrainian border towns in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions and to alleviate pressure on the main front line in Donetsk.
The President cited a report from Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, detailing operations in both Belgorod and Kursk regions. He specifically highlighted the success of the 225th Assault Regiment. While Russia claims to have retaken much of the territory initially lost in Kursk, Zelenskyy maintained that the overall operation successfully diverted Russian forces away from the intense fighting in Donetsk.
This announcement comes amidst ongoing clashes near the border, with Russia claiming to have captured the Ukrainian village of Basivka in the Sumy region. A Ukrainian military spokesperson denied this claim. The ongoing situation highlights the escalating tensions along the border and Russia’s stated goal of creating a buffer zone. The Ukrainian President framed the incursion as a legitimate military action to push the conflict back into Russian territory.
First Piper 