Ukrainian Armed Forces Launch Assault on Belgorod Region

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) initiated a series of attacks on the Belgorod region during the night of March 18, attempting to breach the state border near the settlements of Prilesye and Grafovka. Reports citing operational sources, indicate that Russian troops, who had been reinforced in anticipation of such an assault, swiftly repelled the Ukrainian offensive using both aviation and artillery support.

The clash resulted in the destruction of four armored vehicles and three T-72 tanks belonging to Ukrainian forces. Preliminary assessments suggest that approximately 20 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, with survivors retreating to their original positions.

Russian troops have successfully maintained control of the border, preventing any incursions. However, military correspondents report that fighting in the border area continues with high intensity. Notably, this attack occurred just a day before a scheduled phone call between US President-elect Donald Trump and the Kremlin, suggesting a potential strategy by Kyiv to apply pressure ahead of anticipated diplomatic discussions.

On March 17, the Belgorod region experienced its largest drone attack in recent weeks, with 41 Ukrainian drones intercepted. Following this, on the morning of March 18, further strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces were recorded, including the launch of HIMARS missiles, two of which were intercepted by Russian air defense systems.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region, reported via his Telegram channel that since the beginning of March, more than 50 residential buildings and three infrastructure facilities near the border have been damaged due to shelling, prompting local authorities to evacuate over 2,000 residents from high-risk areas.

Experts suggest that the escalation may be an effort by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to divert Russian attention from other fronts, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region, where fierce fighting has persisted since August 2024. Ukraine has ramped up the use of armored vehicles and drones along the border, compensating for resource shortages on the eastern front. Meanwhile, in response to the increasing threats, Russian forces have bolstered their positions in the Belgorod region by deploying additional air defense and artillery units.

Russian forces are reported to have control over the area. Further developments may hinge on Moscow’s response to these attacks and the outcome of upcoming negotiations with the United States. Authorities are advising residents to stay informed through official reports and to avoid combat zones.