Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Troop Activity Inside Russia’s Border Regions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces are operating within Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions in a bid to defend Ukraine’s own border territories. 

In his nightly video address on Monday, Zelensky said top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi had briefed him on Ukrainian troop presence in both Russian regions. “We continue active operations in the enemy’s border areas and this is absolutely justified. The war must return to where it came from,” he said.

Zelensky highlighted the ongoing threat to Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions, stating that border incursions are part of a broader effort to draw Russian troops away from the heavily contested Donetsk front. He praised Ukraine’s 225th Assault Regiment for its role in operations in Belgorod.

Although Russia recently reclaimed some areas in Kursk, Zelensky argued that Ukraine’s actions succeeded strategically. “Due to the entire Kursk operation, we have managed to reduce pressure on other frontline sectors,” he said.

The confirmation follows reports by Russian military bloggers of battles inside Belgorod, and marks a rare public acknowledgment from Kyiv of operations on Russian soil.

Meanwhile, Moscow claims its forces seized Basivka in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region—across from Kursk—but Ukrainian military officials have denied this, saying the village remains under Ukrainian control. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously suggested carving out a “buffer zone” along the border to protect Russian territory.