This morning, Ukrainian forces launched a series of attacks on the Belgorod region, attempting to breach the Russian border near the villages of Prilesye and Grafovka. Russian forces, which had fortified the sector in advance, quickly responded with air and artillery fire, repelling the attack.

During the conflict, four Ukrainian armored vehicles and three T-72 tanks were destroyed, while the Ukrainian side suffered losses of at least 20 soldiers, after which the remaining forces withdrew, according to military bloggers following the events in Ukraine.

The attack comes ahead of a planned phone call between Donald Trump and the Kremlin, suggesting a possible strategy by Kiev to increase pressure ahead of possible diplomatic contacts. The situation in the region further escalated on March 17, when Russian forces shot down 41 Ukrainian drones in the largest drone attack on the Belgorod region in weeks.

Ukrainian forces continue offensive attempts in Belgorod region

In the early morning hours of March 18, Ukrainian forces launched a new offensive in the Krasnoyaruzsky district of the Belgorod region. Ukrainian armored units crossed from the Sumy region and attempted to break through Russian defenses with the help of engineering mine-clearing vehicles.

The attack began around 08:00, Ukrainian military blogs on Telegram reported, but Russian forces responded quickly, destroying a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, and other armored vehicles.

After the losses, the Ukrainian army continued the attack, but Russian forces continued to inflict losses and repelled the breakthrough. According to the latest data, the attempt to break through Ukraine has been stopped, and the attackers have suffered significant losses.

Russian forces are keeping the situation under control, while Kiev is trying to divert attention from other fronts.

Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that civilian areas were shelled during the Ukrainian offensive, including a school in Grafivka, which was heavily damaged in an attack by drones and FPV artillery.

Analysts suggest that Ukraine's armed forces are likely trying to divert Russian forces from other directions, including from the Kursk region, where intense fighting has been taking place since August 2024. Russia has further strengthened its defenses in the Belgorod region in recent weeks, deploying additional air defense units as well as artillery.

Russian-American diplomacy faces a challenge

As the situation remains tense, many believe that further developments will depend on Moscow's reaction to these attacks, as well as the outcome of upcoming negotiations between Russia and the United States.

It is obvious that Kiev is seeking to escalate the conflict and strengthen its negotiating position ahead of any diplomatic solutions.