Zelenskyy acknowledges Ukrainian presence in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast

“Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi briefed me today on the front, our presence in Kursk Oblast, and our presence in Belgorod Oblast,” Zelenskyy said. “We continue active operations in enemy border areas, and it’s absolutely just—the war must return to where it came from.”

Zelenskyy emphasized that the primary goal remains safeguarding Ukrainian territory, particularly communities in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, from Russian aggression.

What is happening in Belgorod Oblast?

In March, Russian pro-war Telegram channels claimed Ukrainian mechanized units had crossed into Belgorod Oblast near Demidovka, Grafovka, and Maryino.

The confirmation marks a shift from his March 19 comments, when he avoided directly affirming Ukrainian activity in Belgorod Oblast, stating only that forces remained in Kursk Oblast “as long as this operation is needed.”

The president framed the cross-border operations as a counter to Russia’s plans. He noted that Vladimir Putin has been “buying time” for a stalled offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv, originally planned eight months ago, which Ukraine disrupted through its Kursk campaign.