Overview

• Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj confirmed that Ukrainian forces are now operating in Russia's Belgorod region, in addition to Kursk, as part of a strategy to shift the war's focus and protect key Ukrainian territories.
• The cross-border operations aim to alleviate pressure on Ukrainian regions such as Sumy, Charkiw, and Donezk while targeting Russian logistical and military assets.
• Two Chinese soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces were captured in the Donetsk region, marking the first confirmed instance of Chinese nationals in combat roles in the conflict.
• Selenskyj has demanded an official response from Beijing, asserting that the involvement of Chinese fighters signals Russia's intent to escalate the war further.
• Russian officials deny Ukrainian incursions into Belgorod, though local administrations report losing control in some areas, and international observers highlight the growing complexity of foreign involvement in the conflict.