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Ukraine Resists Russian Spring Offensive, Breaches Belgorod Border
Ukrainian forces are actively resisting a Russian spring offensive, with recent footage showing their tanks successfully breaching Dragon’s Teeth fortifications and advancing into Russian territory in Belgorod. This move marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian Forces Advance into Belgorod
Video evidence indicates that Ukrainian units have reached areas near the village of Demidovka, situated directly on the border separating the two nations.
Ukraine currently maintains a foothold within Russian territory in this region, mirroring a similar, larger presence it holds in the Kursk region. This incursion is viewed as a symbolic setback for the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin.
Bomb Strike Targets Russian Command Post in Kherson
In a separate operation, Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted a successful bomb strike targeting a Russian command post located in the occupied Kherson region.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff, ” благодаря профессиональным навыкам украинских летчиков, бетонное сооружение было полностью разрушено,” which translates to “Thanks to the professional skills of Ukrainian pilots, the concrete structure was completely destroyed.”
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The General Staff further stated that casualty assessments are still underway, but preliminary reports suggest that “от 20 до 30 оккупантов были убиты,” meaning “20 to 30 occupiers were killed.”
Russia Intensifies Frontline Assaults Despite Peace Overtures
Despite diplomatic efforts and peace proposals, Ukraine has cautioned Western allies that Russia appears to be disregarding these initiatives. Russia has reportedly doubled the frequency of military assaults along the frontline, signaling an escalation in the conflict.
Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, confirmed that a Russian spring offensive is underway. He stated that the Kremlin’s objective is to seize substantial additional territory within the Kharkiv and Sumy regions before any meaningful negotiations can commence.
Increased Enemy Offensive Actions Observed
Syrsky noted, “For several days, almost a week, we have been observing almost a doubling of the number of enemy offensive actions in all main directions.”
He further elaborated that Russia has intensified its attacks in the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, concurrently maintaining pressure along the eastern front in the Donbas region.
“Despite all the ongoing negotiations, we are only seeing an increase in the intensity of offensive actions,” Syrsky conveyed to local media outlets.
Overnight Attacks on Kyiv and Other Cities
Russian forces launched significant attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities during the night.
Several districts experienced substantial fires as a result of these attacks.
In Mykolaiv, ten individuals sustained injuries, and fires erupted across the city.
Sloviansk was also struck by a powerful explosion, believed to be a drone strike, as Russia seeks to advance further into the Donetsk region. Despite controlling a large portion of the region since the conflict’s escalation in 2022, Russia has yet to achieve full control.
Chinese Nationals Captured Fighting for Russia
Ukraine’s SBU secret service has revealed initial interrogations with two Chinese prisoners of war (POWs) captured in the Donetsk region while fighting for Russia.
According to the SBU, “They are now giving evidence about how they ended up in the war in Ukraine and what tasks they performed as part of the Russian Armed Forces on the territory of our country.”
Zelensky Alleges Chinese Involvement, Beijing Responds
President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that at least 155 Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russia, accusing Beijing of “turning a blind eye” to this trend.
“This is the second mistake for Russia,” Zelensky stated. “The first was North Korea. They drag other countries into war. I believe that they are now dragging China into this war.”
“Russia’s involvement in this war in Europe of China, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that [President] Putin is going to do anything but end the war,” Zelensky added.
He emphasized that “This definitely requires a reaction. A reaction from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who wants peace.”
Details of Captured Chinese POWs
One POW was apprehended by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the 157th Motorised Rifle Brigade near Tarasivka, while the other was captured by the 1st Battalion of the 81st Motorised Rifle Brigade near Bilogorivka.
The POWs have been identified as Wang Guangjun, 33, and Zhang Renbo, 32.
“The captured foreigners do not have combat wounds, but they are receiving the necessary medical care, as provided for by the Geneva Convention,” the SBU reported.
They have been transferred to Kyiv for urgent investigative measures and are being held in conditions meeting international law standards. Communication is facilitated through interpreters.
Both POWs stated that “they were captured by Ukrainian soldiers on their first combat mission.”
One, reportedly unemployed, was recruited directly in China by a Russian representative, the SBU stated. He arrived in Moscow in February 2025 and subsequently signed a contract with the Russian army.
The other POW posed as a tourist and allegedly signed up for combat in exchange for a payment of £18,150.
The SBU indicated that the Chinese POWs are facing potential war crimes charges.
Zelensky’s Assessment of Russian Plans
Zelensky believes that Russia’s strategic objectives remain unchanged, focusing on the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhia directions.
“They do not forget about the east. This [provides] access to the borders of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts,” Zelensky explained.
“This was their plan from the very beginning of the war,” he concluded.
Zelensky expressed willingness to exchange the Chinese prisoners of war for Ukrainians detained in Russia, while also demanding clarification regarding their presence on the frontlines.
Ukraine Summons Chinese Representative
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s foreign minister, announced that he had summoned the Chinese chargé d’affaires, stating on social media: “Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN security council.”
China Denies Allegations
China responded by stating it is seeking to clarify Ukraine’s claims, while dismissing Zelensky’s assertion about a larger presence of Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia as “groundless.”
China’s foreign ministry asserted, “Ukraine should correctly view China’s efforts and constructive role in seeking a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.”
“The Chinese government has always asked its citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict [and] avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form,” the ministry added.
Western Officials’ Perspective
Western officials have stated to news outlets that they have not observed concrete evidence of China sponsoring these fighters.
One official drew a parallel between the Chinese soldiers’ involvement and the presence of British soldiers in Ukraine’s army, who are fighting without official government endorsement.
Mercenary Accounts of Mistreatment
Despite apparently volunteering for the Russian army, some Chinese mercenaries claim to have experienced mistreatment at the hands of their Russian counterparts.
One mercenary, identifying himself as Zhou Ziqiang in a social media video, stated: “The Russians don’t see us as human beings. We fight like a suicide squad, and they don’t care if we die or get hurt.”