Ukrainian Offensive in Belgorod
Ukrainian forces have intensified their attacks on Russia’s Belgorod region, using drones, artillery, and ground troops. This assault follows Russia’s recent efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of previously seized territories in the neighboring Kursk region. According to Belgorod’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, over 20 villages along a 150-kilometer stretch near the Ukrainian border have come under Ukrainian attack. The Ukrainian military has not officially acknowledged the operation.
Retaliation for Losses in Kursk
The attack on Belgorod appears to be in response to Ukraine’s recent losses in Kursk, where Ukrainian troops had gained control of more than 1,000 square kilometers last August. However, a renewed Russian offensive, reportedly supported by North Korean troops, has forced Ukrainian forces to retreat back to the border in recent weeks. The fighting in Belgorod may be an attempt to force Russia into diverting troops from Kursk and the adjacent Ukrainian region of Sumy.
Intensified Battles Along the Frontline
Both Russia and Ukraine are seeking territorial gains as weather conditions improve. Amid these hostilities, diplomatic pressure is mounting, with the Trump administration reportedly pressing for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States and European allies to provide a stronger response to Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Zelensky Calls for Stronger Support
In his nightly address on Saturday, Zelensky called for urgent support from the U.S. and Europe following massive Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih. He reported that Russia launched 172 drone strikes on civilian infrastructure the previous night. “A strong response is urgently needed – above all from the U.S., from Europe, from everyone in the world who has placed their bets on diplomacy. Russia must be forced into peace – only pressure will work,” he stated.
Ukrainian Strategy in Belgorod
It remains unclear whether Ukraine’s offensive in Belgorod is aimed at holding Russian territory or merely creating pressure to relieve its forces elsewhere. Russian military sources suggest that Ukrainian troops have advanced several kilometers into Belgorod, with heavy fighting reported in the village of Popovka. However, Ukrainian forces have not claimed any official territorial gains. According to Russian reports, the incursion began nearly two weeks ago with multiple cross-border strikes.
Russian Response and Escalation
The Russian defense ministry reported on Saturday that its troops had seized a small settlement in Ukraine’s Sumy region, indicating that fighting is ongoing on multiple fronts. Additionally, Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed that Russian units were attempting to advance into Sumy, signaling an expansion of the conflict beyond traditional hotspots.
Ukrainian Struggles in the East
Despite the offensive in Belgorod, Ukrainian forces are facing significant challenges elsewhere. In Donetsk’s Pokrovsk area, Russian troops have escalated their attacks to the highest intensity seen this year, according to the independent Ukrainian blog Deep State. The blog noted that while Ukrainian troops have managed to slow the rate of territorial losses since January, they remain on the defensive.
Casualties and Media Coverage
The ongoing battles have also resulted in casualties beyond the military. Earlier this week, Russian television reporter Anna Prokofieva was killed while covering the conflict in Belgorod. Her death underscores the dangers faced by journalists reporting from active war zones.
