Zelensky confirms Ukraine troops in Russia's Belgorod region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that his troops are active in Russia's Belgorod region. This area borders Ukraine.

On Monday, he stated, "We continue to carry out active operations in the border areas on enemy territory." He emphasized that "war must return to where it came from."

Zelensky also mentioned the Kursk region. Ukraine still holds a small area there after last year's major offensive. However, Moscow has regained most of that territory.

He explained that the main goal is to protect Ukraine's Sumy and Kharkiv regions. This will help ease pressure on other parts of the front line, especially in eastern Donetsk.

Last month, Russia reported Ukrainian attempts to cross into Belgorod. They claimed these attacks were repelled. The contested areas are only a short distance inside Russian territory.

In 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Currently, Moscow controls about 20% of Ukraine's land.

The Kremlin dismissed allegations from the US and Europe about delaying a ceasefire push by former President Donald Trump. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the situation and accused Russia of heavy bombing.

Zelensky’s home city of Kryvyi Rih recently held funerals for 20 victims of a missile attack. Among them were nine children killed last Friday.

In his video address on Monday, Zelensky discussed updates from General Oleksandr Syrskyi regarding the front lines. This included information about Ukrainian presence in Kursk and Belgorod.

Zelensky thanked various army units defending Ukraine, particularly the 225th Assault Regiment in Belgorod. He praised their efforts: "Well done, guys! I'm proud of each and every one who is fighting for Ukraine!"

This marks Zelensky's first clear acknowledgment of Ukrainian troops in Belgorod. On March 18, he had indirectly confirmed their presence during a press conference.

When asked about Russian claims regarding failed Ukrainian advances in Belgorod, he said there was an operation underway there.

Russia claimed all Ukrainian attempts toward Demidovka and Prilesye were thwarted. They stated that a cross-border raid was prevented as well.

However, some Russian military bloggers reported fighting occurring in Demidovka itself, just two kilometers from the border.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted on March 21 that "Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Belgorod." They mentioned unconfirmed reports from Russian milbloggers about consolidating positions near Demidovka and Prilesye.

In recent days, some Russian bloggers indicated that Ukrainian forces were withdrawing from Demidovka.

Ukraine's operations in Belgorod appear smaller compared to actions taken in Kursk. In Kursk, Kyiv seized several villages including Sudzha at one point.

Zelensky and his commanders have suggested these incursions force Moscow to redeploy troops away from Donetsk. Russian forces have been making slow but steady advances there recently.

Ukraine may hope to exchange any captured Russian territories for parts of its own land occupied by Moscow during future peace talks pushed by the US.

Many war analysts question the military effectiveness of Kyiv's operations on Russian soil due to high casualties and supply difficulties reported.