1 year ago
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Volodymyr Zelensky and a blaze at a gas metering station in Sudzha, Kursk region (Image: GETTY/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service)
Volodymyr Zelensky has seemingly confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops have crossed into Russia’s Belgorod region, a move likely to anger Vladimir Putin as it comes as Russian soldiers try to push out Kyiv's fighters from another area. The Ukrainian President said: “We are preparing appropriate steps to reduce the accumulation of their troops… and the fact that it geographically falls into the Bryansk region, we don’t care what regions they have there.”
Analysts believe he misspoke, as Bryansk does not border Belgorod - Kyiv’s incursion took place in Belgorod, south of Kursk. The operation appears to be a limited effort to tie down Russian forces rather than a large-scale offensive. Mr Zelensky also addressed the situation in Kursk, stating: “In the Kursk direction, the guys are doing everything possible and impossible. We have our presence there, our physical presence without any encirclement.”
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6 mins ago07:39 Ciaran McGrath
Russia 'preparing for fresh offensive', claims Zelensky
Russian forces are gearing up for a fresh offensive in the coming weeks, aiming to maximise pressure on Ukraine and bolster the Kremlin’s hand in ceasefire negotiations, Mr Zelensky also suggested.
He explained: “They’re dragging out the talks and trying to get the US stuck in endless and pointless discussions about fake ‘conditions’ just to buy time and then try to grab more land.”
Intelligence reports indicate Russia is planning attacks across the 1,000-kilometre front line, focusing on Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
Ukrainian officials argue this proves Moscow has no intention of meaningful peace talks, instead seeking territorial gains before negotiating.
Today, there was a detailed report by Ukraine\u2019s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov \u2014 particularly regarding support packages from our partners. Some new good agreements have been reached. There is also an understanding that a new meeting in the \u201cRamstein\u201d format should take place\u2026 pic.twitter.com/DaqWyznKqn
\u2014 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0417\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0438\u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) March 28, 202518 mins ago07:27 Ciaran McGrath
Putin humiliated as Zelensky's troops launch new Russia incursion
Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops have crossed into Russia’s Belgorod region, a move likely to anger President Putin.
The Ukarinian President said: “We are preparing appropriate steps to reduce the accumulation of their troops… and the fact that it geographically falls into the Bryansk region, we don’t care what regions they have there.”
Analysts believe he misspoke, as Bryansk does not border Belgorod - Kyiv’s incursion took place in Belgorod, south of Kursk.
The operation appears to be a limited effort to tie down Russian forces rather than a large-scale offensive.
Mr Zelensky also addressed the situation in Kursk, stating: “In the Kursk direction, the guys are doing everything possible and impossible. We have our presence there, our physical presence without any encirclement.”
30 mins ago07:15 Ciaran McGrath
Welcome to our live blog
Welcome to our live blog - stay tuned for regular updates about the war in Ukraine, with US President Donald Trump yet to deliver on his pledge to end the conflict.
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