Ukraine’s military carried out a powerful attack on Russian forces in Belgorod, a region inside Russia, destroying four helicopters. The strike, which took place on Monday, was carried out using HIMARS rocket systems.
Ukraine’s Special Forces Strike in Belgorod
Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces confirmed that they worked with the military intelligence agency (GUR) and artillery forces to destroy two Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters and two Mi-8 transport helicopters.
Drone footage shared by Ukraine’s military showed the moment of impact, with explosions destroying the helicopters at a hidden Russian base. This base, according to Ukraine, was being used as a launching point for surprise attacks against Ukrainian troops. Since March 18, Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian positions in Belgorod, including the village of Demidovka. Some reports even suggest that Ukrainian troops have gained small amounts of territory in the region, although these claims have not been independently verified.
This latest strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to weaken Russian air power. The Ka-52 helicopters, known as “Alligators,” are among Russia’s most advanced attack helicopters. Their destruction is a significant loss for Moscow’s military, as these aircraft are used for battlefield attacks and support operations.
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Russian Missile Strike Injures Dozens in Sumy
On the same day as Ukraine’s attack on Belgorod, Russia launched a deadly missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy. The attack hit a densely populated district, injuring 88 people, including 17 children. The missiles struck areas near schools, but many children avoided harm because they had been evacuated to bomb shelters in time.
Sumy’s regional governor, Volodymyr Artiukh, said the missile strike was one of the most intense in recent months. Buildings were destroyed, cars were burned, and rescue workers rushed to save those trapped under debris. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Adrii Sybiha condemned the attack, calling on Russia to stop targeting civilians.
Sumy is located near Russia’s Kursk region, an area where Ukrainian forces have reportedly been making advances since August 2024. Russian and Ukrainian sources have been reporting ongoing clashes in the region, but the full extent of Ukraine’s control over Russian territory remains unclear. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have continued their cross-border strikes into Belgorod, targeting military assets and disrupting Russian operations.
Meanwhile, Russia has accused Ukraine of violating an unofficial ceasefire by attacking energy stations. After a conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, reports suggested that Russia had agreed to pause attacks for 30 days.
However, Ukrainian officials claim that no ceasefire was officially in place. Talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. in Saudi Arabia ended on Monday without any ceasefire agreement. As hostilities persist, Ukraine’s military continues to focus on strategic locations in Belgorod, aiming to weaken Russian air and ground forces.
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The ongoing conflict has intensified, with Ukraine’s forces striking key Russian positions, including those in Belgorod, while Russia responds with missile attacks on Ukrainian cities like Sumy. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides escalating their military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Black Sea Tensions and Cyberattack on Ukraine’s Railways
While ground battles continue, another key issue in the war is control of the Black Sea. Ukraine has heavily damaged Russia’s naval fleet in the region, sinking warships and destroying bases in Crimea. This has forced Moscow to move much of its navy away from the area. Despite Russia’s efforts to stop Ukrainian grain exports, Ukraine has managed to keep shipping routes open.
The U.S. is now pushing for a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure the safety of international trade. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s recent attacks on Belgorod have further weakened Russia’s military operations, adding to Moscow’s challenges.
In a separate development, Ukraine’s national railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, was hit by a massive cyberattack on Sunday. The attack targeted the company’s online booking system, causing disruptions for passengers. However, train movements and schedules remained unaffected. Ukrainian authorities suspect that Russian hackers were behind the attack, as cyber warfare has been a key part of the conflict.
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This cyber strike coincided with intensified Ukrainian military actions in Belgorod, where Ukrainian forces have been targeting Russian aircraft and supply routes.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced suggesting that China might send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine to help enforce a peace deal. However, China’s Foreign Ministry quickly denied these claims. China has been one of Russia’s key economic and diplomatic allies, supplying Moscow with revenue through oil and trade.
Although Beijing insists that it has not provided weapons or troops, it has strong ties with North Korea, which has reportedly sent forces to support Russia. At the same time, Ukraine’s continued strikes in Belgorod have sparked concerns in Moscow, as the attacks are forcing Russia to redirect military resources from other battlefronts.
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Finally, in eastern Ukraine’s Luhansk region, Ukrainian artillery strikes killed six people, including media workers from Russian state-owned outlets. Two of the victims were employed by Zvezda, a Russian military-owned propaganda station, and another worked for Izvestia, a state-aligned newspaper. Russia claimed that Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted the journalists, but Ukrainian officials have not commented on the attack. As fighting intensifies across multiple fronts, including new offensives in Belgorod, both Ukraine and Russia continue to suffer heavy losses. The situation remains highly volatile, with no immediate end to hostilities in sight.
