Ukraine launched a daring invasion into Russia’s Kursk region last summer, providing a much-needed morale boost for the Ukrainian people and surprising Moscow. However, after months of intense fighting, Russia has recently regained almost all the lost territory. Now, Ukrainians are risking another small-scale incursion into Russia’s Belgorod region, which may be a strategic move to draw Russian forces away from Kursk and provide added diplomatic leverage. Moscow has shown no willingness to make concessions while Ukrainian troops remain on Russian soil, and risks are high as Ukraine is already stretched thin across the wide front line. The incursion is limited in scope and has only secured a small area, with unclear intentions and uncertain extent of the Russian response. Ukraine has not publicly recognized the invasion, and Russian authorities have not yet acknowledged it either. The New York Times verified videos showing armed individuals in the village of Demidovka but could not confirm whether they were Ukrainian forces. Military observers believe the operation might improve Ukraine’s bargaining power by capturing more Russian territory or protect against a potential Russian invasion and divert forces from other fronts. However, the outcome remains uncertain as negotiations for a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow continue.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/28/world/europe/ukraine-attack-russia-belgorod.html