Ukraine, April 9 (V7N) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Monday that Ukrainian forces have been active in Russia's Belgorod region, aiming to protect Ukrainian towns near the border. This marks the first time Zelenskyy has openly acknowledged such operations.
 
In his nightly address, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian troops are still present in parts of Russia's Kursk region, despite Russian forces recapturing some of the lost territory. Zelenskyy emphasized that these operations are necessary to protect Ukrainian communities, particularly in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, from Russian occupation.
 
"Our main objective remains the same: to protect our land and our communities," Zelenskyy said. He also praised the 225th Assault Regiment for their efforts in the region.
 
Zelenskyy explained that these operations in the Kursk and Belgorod regions had successfully drawn Russian forces away from the main front line in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, reducing pressure on other areas.
 
In his address, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s strategic focus on defending its territory while maintaining military pressure on Russia, even within Russian borders. Despite recent claims by Russia that they had seized Ukrainian land in Sumy, a Ukrainian military spokesperson denied these reports, stating that the village of Basivka was still under Ukrainian control.
 
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