Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian troops are operating in Russia’s Belgorod region. In a video address, he stated, “We continue active operations in enemy territory on the border, and this is absolutely fair. The war must return exactly where it came from.”

Zelenskyy said the aim is to defend Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions and reduce pressure on the Donetsk front. He also acknowledged operations near Russia’s Kursk region. Thanking Ukrainian forces, he added, “I am proud of each and every one of you who are fighting for Ukraine.”

Russia had earlier claimed it repelled Ukrainian attempts to cross the border from Belgorod.