Ukrainian forces launched an offensive in the Russian Belgorod Oblast on March 18, coinciding with a phone call between U.S. President donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.The offensive has reportedly allowed Ukrainian troops to gain a foothold, seizing partial control of Demidovka, a locality approximately 1 kilometer from the border.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on Monday, based on geolocated images, that Ukrainian forces had taken control of Demidovka.

Institute for the Study of War

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that five assaults were repelled on the day the offensive began. However, several Russian military bloggers reported the presence of Ukrainian soldiers near Demidovka. The ISW noted a marginal progression of Ukrainian forces toward Grafovka and Prilessie, villages southeast and south of Demidovka, respectively.

According to Rybar, a Russian blogger with alleged ties to the Ministry of Defense, Ukrainian forces also established a position in Popovka, a few kilometers west of Demidovka. Reports suggest the ukrainian army has held a narrow strip along the border for several days, following previous incursions into the Belgorod Oblast.

Viatcheslav Gladkov, governor of the Belgorod Oblast, described the situation as difficult and announced the evacuation of most residents from the Krasnoïaroujski district, where Demidovka is located, on Sunday.

Russian bloggers suggest the offensive, involving a few hundred troops, aims to divert Russian forces engaged in retaking the Koursk Oblast, which has been partially occupied since August. This area is located a few tens of kilometers north of Demidovka, and the reconquest is reportedly nearing completion.

These bloggers also reported continued fighting in the Belgorod Oblast border sector on Wednesday, albeit with reduced intensity due to adverse weather conditions. Ukrainian commentator Konstantin Machovets claimed that reinforcements were being sent to the region from Koupiansk and Lyman in the Kharkiv Oblast, and from Tchassiv Yar in Donbass, though these claims remain unverified.

While the Ukrainian general staff has not confirmed the offensive, special forces announced on Monday the destruction of four Russian military helicopters in the Belgorod region using missiles launched from HIMARS batteries.

What is the Belgorod Oblast Offensive?

On March 18, 2025, ukrainian forces initiated an offensive in Russia’s belgorod Oblast. This offensive has resulted in Ukrainian troops gaining a foothold in the region.

Where is the Belgorod Oblast?

The Belgorod Oblast is a region in western Russia, bordering Ukraine.

What are the Key Developments?

• Ukrainian forces reportedly gained partial control of Demidovka, a locality about 1 kilometer from the border.
• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirmed Ukrainian control of Demidovka based on geolocated images.
• Ukrainian forces established a position in Popovka, a few kilometers west of Demidovka.
• Viatcheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod Oblast, described the situation as “tough” and ordered the evacuation of most residents from the Krasnoïaroujski district.
• Special forces announced the destruction of four Russian military helicopters in the Belgorod region using missiles launched from HIMARS batteries.

What is the Significance of the Offensive?

The offensive is believed to be an attempt to divert Russian forces engaged in retaking the Koursk oblast, wich is located north of Demidovka. Military bloggers suggest that this is a strategy to impact ongoing operations in other areas.

Where is fighting taking place?

Fighting is primarily taking place near the border with reports of activity in or near Demidovka, Grafovka, Prilessie and Popovka.

What do Russian Military Bloggers Say?

Russian military bloggers have reported the presence of Ukrainian soldiers near Demidovka. They also noted a “marginal progression” of ukrainian forces toward Grafovka and Prilessie. these bloggers suggest the offensive aims to divert Russian forces.They have also reported continued fighting in the Belgorod Oblast border sector which was reduced in intensity due to adverse weather conditions.

Are There Confirmed Casualties or Damage reports?

While the Ukrainian general staff has not confirmed the offensive, special forces announced the destruction of four russian military helicopters. The evacuation of residents from the Krasnoïaroujski district also indicates the severity of the situation.

Who is Involved in the Offensive?

• Ukrainian armed Forces
• ukrainian Special Operations Forces

Key Locations Involved

The key locations involved in the offensive include:

• Demidovka
• Krasnoïaroujski district
• Popovka
• Grafovka
• Prilessie

Summary of Events

Here is a brief timeline of the key events: