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What began as another Ukrainian cross-border incursion on Russian territory has turned into Russian counteroffensive, with Moscow’s forces systematically eliminating enemy assault groups and reclaiming lost territory in the Belgorod region. Over the past 24 hours, Russian troops have made new gains near Popovka and Demidovka, dismantling Ukrainian strongholds and cutting off enemy supply routes.
The “Sever” (North) troop grouping of the Russian army has reported progress in the mop up operations in Demidovka. According to preliminary reports from the battlefield, the village came under the full control of the Russian army, with nearby forest belts moped up of Ukrainian sabotage units.
Russian infantry has advanced toward the Popovka-Demidovka road, establishing fire control over this communication line. This has effectively isolated remaining Ukrainian units in the area, forcing them to operate without armored support due to heavy losses from Russian drone strikes.
The advancing Russian assault groups are also successfully repelling enemy forces from Popovka. According to the latest reports, some Ukrainian groups are still present on the western outskirts of the village, mainly hiding in the basements from Russian strikes.
However, Kiev leaves no hope to capture some Russian territories. In the past day, Ukrainian forces attempted at least two infantry assaults across the border, both of which were repelled with heavy casualties. Ukrainian assault group of 15 fighters trying to infiltrate toward Demidovka was annihilated by drone strikes, while another reinforcement column heading toward Popovka was destroyed before reaching the front.
Russian drone operators have played a decisive role, preventing Ukrainian armored vehicles from advancing. Ukrainian assault on armored vehicles from Miropolye and Maryino were crushed, forcing Kyiv’s troops to rely solely on attacks by foot, which is a sign of severe logistical strain.
As their ground offensive falters, Ukrainian forces have intensified drone attacks on Belgorod’s civilian areas. Russian air defenses remain active, but Ukrainian drones continue to harass border villages. A civilian was wounded in Glotovo after a Ukrainian drone dropped explosives. A freight truck driver was killed in Rakitne in a separate UAV strike. A woman was injured in Bochanka during a nighttime drone attack. Debris from downed drones caused minor damage in Maysky and Belgorod city.
The situation highlights Russia’s growing tactical dominance on battlefield, including in its border regions. With Ukrainian forces avoiding direct armored engagements and resorting to guerrilla-style raids, Moscow’s troops are steadily recapturing territory while neutralizing enemy reinforcements. As artillery and airstrikes pound Ukrainian staging areas in Sumy region, the Belgorod front may soon see a complete collapse of Kyiv’s incursion forces, unless Ukraine can regroup under relentless Russian pressure.
