Russian Forces Maintain Control Over Demidovka Amid Ukrainian Counterattacks

Russian armed forces continue to hold the village of Demidovka in the Belgorod region, successfully thwarting multiple attempts by Ukrainian troops to breach the state border. Reports indicate that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) launched several offensives targeting this border settlement, all of which were repelled, forcing advancing units back into the Sumy region. This information has been corroborated by military sources.

According to local sources , approximately seven Ukrainian Armed Forces groups, each comprising around 15 personnel, are concentrated along the border with Russia. These units remain in close proximity to the border and have periodically attempted offensive maneuvers. However, Russian troops have effectively countered these efforts, utilizing artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Notably, there have been instances of Ukrainian UAVs being destroyed, as they are actively deployed by the AFU for reconnaissance and strike missions. Additionally, the Ukrainian side has employed American HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems equipped with cluster munitions in the Demidovka direction. Russian sources report that these attacks aim to hinder the advance of Russian forces and establish a zone of tension along the border.

On March 23, 2025, Ukrainian forces launched four counterattacks in the Demidovka area, one of which involved fighters from the “Russian Volunteer Corps” (RVC), designated as a terrorist organization and banned in Russia. Despite the persistence of these attacks, Russian units not only maintained their positions but also forced Ukrainian forces to retreat, effectively creating a “gray zone” along the border. This area remains under heavy fire from Ukrainian kamikaze drones, complicating operations for Russian troops. Nevertheless, the Russian Armed Forces continue to assert control over key positions, including Demidovka.

Earlier, a military correspondent reported that Demidovka had fallen under Ukrainian control, citing the withdrawal of Russian forces and successful demining of border barriers by Ukrainian troops. However, this claim has not been substantiated by official sources and is contradicted by the current operational situation reported by local journalists.

The situation in the Demidovka region remains tense, as corroborated by various open-source reports. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has noted an uptick in Ukrainian military activity in the Belgorod direction in recent days, suggesting an attempt to divert Russian forces from other fronts.