The Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) have no confirmed reports of conducting military operations on Russian territory, however, according to sources from The New York Times, Ukrainian troops have recently crossed the border.
Based on information from the Ukrainian government and military sources, the newspaper reported that fighting continues near Belgorod and Kursk regions. Russian Z-bloggers have circulated reports that Ukrainian forces are bombarding several populated areas in the border regions.
Actions of Ukrainian Forces
According to the map of the Deep State project, the Ukrainian Armed Forces control an area of 77 km² in the Kursk region, while it is unclear which side controls an area of 13 km² in the Belgorod region. This area includes the village of Popovka, and various sources report that Ukrainian forces have entered it.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), on March 18, Ukrainian units entered the Krasnoyarujskoye district in Belgorod region, reached Demidovka, and captured three more populated areas in the border region.
Pasi Paroynen, an analyst from Finland's Black Bird Group, also confirmed this, stating that Ukrainian forces have succeeded in creating a buffer zone and have captured several villages in the initial days. In his opinion, Demidovka may currently be under the control of the UAF.
Russia's Reaction
Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod region, reported on Telegram on March 28 that shootings and drone attacks are occurring on Russian territory, but did not confirm information regarding the movements of Ukrainian forces in Belgorod region.
According to information published by Russian Z-channels, Ukrainian forces have struck several bridges in Belgorod region. It is assumed that this was done to isolate the area. Additionally, according to the "Ribar" channel, the UAF has captured the village of Popovka and deployed significant forces against the Krasnoyarujskoye district.
Position of Ukrainian Officials
Andrey Kovalenko, a senior official in the Ukrainian government, stated in an interview with The New York Times that Ukraine is conducting military operations to protect its territory from Russian attacks.
According to him, Ukraine aims to eliminate Russian forces located in Belgorod region, as Moscow was planning to use these forces to attack Ukrainian territory.
The military actions between Ukraine and Russia have entered a new phase, with Ukrainian forces striking areas beyond the border. Although confirmed information from both sides is limited, this process indicates a potential escalation of armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
