Ukraine launches assault on second Russian region as hundreds of troops attempt to penetrate Belgorod after Kursk incursion

Ukraine is making a renewed push into Russian territory, with troops now targeting the Belgorod region following their advance into Kursk. Reports indicate that Kyiv’s forces are assaulting border checkpoints as Russian soldiers scramble to defend their land.

Belgorod, which has been attacked before, is now facing a fresh wave of aggression, with Ukrainian troops reported to be making attempts to breach the border. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the situation remains difficult but under control, urging residents to trust official sources for updates.

Telegram channels are buzzing with reports of Ukrainian forces, with claims that as many as 300 Ukrainian soldiers are advancing toward the Shebekino border crossing, and another 200 near Nekhoteyevka. Belgorod, a city with a population of 340,000, lies just 23 miles from the Nekhoteyevka checkpoint.

However, conflicting reports suggest that some Ukrainian forces were pushed back, with heavy fighting continuing in the region. The pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, Shot, claimed that Ukrainian troops faced strong resistance, forcing them to retreat into nearby forests.

Ukraine’s military chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have now secured control of 100 towns and 500 square miles in their Kursk offensive. The surge into Kursk has sparked fears of a spillover into Belgorod, with citizens being advised to take shelter due to the heightened missile danger.

As fighting intensifies, the head of the United Nations nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, visited a power plant in Kursk, raising concerns about the potential for a nuclear accident in the region. Grossi warned that the ongoing conflict could have serious consequences if the plant is impacted.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, Russian forces have launched another major attack overnight, targeting 15 regions and killing at least seven people. The escalating conflict has fueled debates over whether Ukraine should be permitted to use Western weapons to strike deep within Russia, as the Kremlin’s deadly strikes continue.

International leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have condemned Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.