Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his forces are operating in Russia’s Belgorod region for the first time. The area has been a frequent target of Ukrainian air attacks, and Moscow reported attacks there in March. Zelenskyy stated that General Oleksandr Syrsky had informed him of Ukrainian presence in both Kursk and Belgorod regions.
The President emphasized the importance of conducting active operations on enemy territory, saying “the war must return to where it came from.” This marks a significant development in the conflict, as Zelenskyy has previously avoided discussing Ukrainian forces in Belgorod. According to reports, Ukrainian troops have occupied an area of approximately 13 square kilometers near Demidovka village.
The recent attacks on Kryvyi Rih, where 20 people including nine children were killed and over 70 wounded, have sparked outrage across Ukraine. The UN Human Rights Office reported the strike as the deadliest single attack harming children since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed his opposition to ongoing Russian strikes on Ukraine, stating that he was “not happy” with the situation. Despite this, the Kremlin has reaffirmed its support for a potential truce in Ukraine, but raised questions about how such a deal could be implemented.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/08/ukraine-war-briefing-zelenskyy-speaks-of-military-presence-in-russias-belgorod-region-for-first-time