MOSCOW

Russia claimed on Tuesday that Ukrainian troops are attempting to break through in Belgorod, its western region bordering Ukraine, but all such attempts have been successfully thwarted.

"We've got the information that the opponent is trying to break through the border of the Belgorod region. According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the situation on the border remains difficult, but controlled,” Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, quoting the Defense Ministry statement, which stressed: “Our military is carrying out planned work. Please remain calm and trust only official sources of information."

The ministry said in a separate statement that while the opposing forces are larger, Russian soldiers are more determined and have been successful in pushing them back.

In a related development, the Russian Defense Ministry said the situation in the neighboring Kursk region remains tense, with Ukraine's armed forces launching an offensive near the settlement of Malaya Loknya.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had "a separate long conversation with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi about the use of F-16 fighter jets and the ongoing operation in the Kursk region."

"We continue our actions in the designated areas as needed for Ukraine. Over the past day, we've gained more control," he claimed.

The clashes between Russian and Ukrainian troops have escalated, particularly after Kyiv allowed troops to enter the Kursk region on the night of August 5 and 6, which Moscow claimed was orchestrated by the West, led by the US.

Last Tuesday, Moscow summoned American Charge d'Affaires Stephanie Holmes to formally protest the involvement of US private military company (PMC) soldiers alongside Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, as well as the presence of journalists from US media outlets covering the events.

Ukraine claims its forces have captured approximately 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha, since the incursion began on the night of August 5 and 6.

Russian authorities reported that the conflict has resulted in 17 deaths, 140 injuries, and the evacuation of over 121,000 people from the region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the offensive is intended to establish a buffer zone, claiming that Western countries have prohibited Kyiv from striking deep into Russian territory, prompting him to attack the Kursk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the incursion as a "terrorist attack."