Zelenskyy explains goal of Armed Forces of Ukraine in Belgorod region
Illustrative photo: The steps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the Belgorod direction thwarted the Russian forces' plans for Kharkiv and Sumy regions (Getty Images)
The actions of the Ukrainian military on the Belgorod direction thwarted the Russian plans for an offensive on the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. The Russian forces were unable to create a powerful offensive "punch," according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with journalists.
Zelenskyy stated that today more than 67,000 Russian troops are stationed on the Kursk direction.
"They were completing this movement for an offensive on the Sumy direction. We had to slightly change their plans. Accordingly, there were actions in the Kursk region, where it borders the Belgorod direction. Our warriors took the necessary steps, which stretched the Russian forces and prevented them from forming an offensive 'punch' in the way they had planned," the president explained.
The Ukrainian president mentioned that there are currently many attacks on this direction, and according to him, the highest number of attacks, on average, is occurring there.
Zelenskyy shared that he had heard reports from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov, and Commander of the Ground Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi. During the conversation, Zelenskyy learned in detail about the situation on the front, where there are problems and where successes have been achieved.
"Actions regarding the Belgorod direction are correct to force the Russians not to create one 'punch' either on the Kharkiv or Sumy directions," he emphasized.
The president believes it is now clear that the Ukrainian side has managed to fully establish its defense and effectively counteract in the Kursk direction, despite all the challenges.
"We believe that this is the moment when everything has fully worked. Both Kursk and everything else has worked better on our side, despite all existing difficulties," he noted.
What is happening near Kharkiv and Sumy
At the end of March, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations by Russia for a new offensive in Ukraine. According to him, the threat was aimed at the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Earlier today, the spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that over the past few weeks, the enemy had indeed intensified pressure on the Kharkiv and Kursk directions, particularly in the border areas of Sumy.
