Zelenskyy Acknowledges Ukrainian Military Presence in Russia’s Belgorod Region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly acknowledged for the first time that Ukrainian troops were present in Russia's Belgorod region. This admission comes amidst ongoing tensions and military engagements between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy's statement was made during a press conference, where he also discussed the broader context of the conflict and Ukraine's strategic objectives.
The acknowledgment follows reports from various international news outlets, including Reuters and The Guardian, which had previously indicated Ukrainian military activity in the area. The presence of Ukrainian forces in Belgorod, a region close to the Ukrainian border, marks a significant development in the ongoing war, suggesting a possible escalation or a new front in the conflict.
Additionally, the European Command (EUCOM) has reported that Ukrainian forces still hold parts of the Kursk region, which is adjacent to Belgorod. This information was shared by the EUCOM commander, indicating a broader scope of Ukrainian military operations within Russian territory.
Related issues news
Why is Russia at war with Ukraine?
The Russo-Ukrainian War began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine. It then supported Russian paramilitaries who began a war in the eastern Donbas region against Ukraine's military. In 2018, Ukraine declared the region to be occupied by Russia.
Is Ukraine still in Kursk?
By November 2024, Ukraine had lost control of more than 40% of the territory it initially occupied in the region. Sudzha was the largest settlement in Kursk Oblast to have come under Ukrainian control.
