Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) have taken a significant step in the conflict by capturing the village of Demidovka in the Belgorod region, marking an escalation in military activities along the border. This move comes as Russian troops make efforts to maintain their presence amidst persistent attacks and increasing tension in the area.
Reports indicate that over the past week, the AFU has strategically targeted Russian positions in Demidovka using advanced tactics, employing FPV drones and artillery strikes. The culmination of these operations led to the withdrawal of Russian forces from their combat positions in the settlement. Local Telegram channels reported on March 23, 2025, that the AFU successfully secured control of Demidovka, although official confirmations from either side were pending.
Vladimir Romanov, a Russian military observer, corroborated the capture, stating, "The forces holding the settlement just left it, resulting in the enemy occupying the village." Romanov pointed out that the situation in Demidovka has shifted dramatically, emphasizing the strategic importance of the location in the ongoing conflict.
Simultaneously, skirmishes continue across the border with reports of incursions by Ukrainian units. Especially notable was an incident where forces from the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), categorized as a terrorist organization by Russia, attempted a breakthrough with around 20 quad bikes. SHOT publication detailed that nearly 500 AFU servicemen have been eliminated in recent clashes, underscoring the violent exchanges occurring in the Belgorod region.
Since March 18, 2025, the border has faced multiple incursions from sabotage groups of the AFU, with the most intense fighting reported in the Krasnoyaruzhsky district, which borders Ukraine's Sumy region. As of March 23, the situation remained tense, with local authorities closing off access to the Krasnoyaruzhsky district, urging residents to evacuate.
On the humanitarian front, a tragic drone strike occurred in the village of Ilek-Koshary, where an enemy drone attacked a vehicle carrying soldiers of the Orlan unit, resulting in one death and four injuries. Such incidents highlight the ongoing risks to civilians and military personnel alike.
The evacuation efforts have been underway as well, with a newly opened support center in Belgorod aiming to aid residents from the Krasnoyaruzhsky district. Volunteers are working tirelessly to care for pets left behind by families forced to flee, demonstrating resilience as the community struggles with abandonment and loss.
In a broader context, the situation in the Belgorod and Kursk regions remains fraught with danger as fighting intensifies. Reports reveal that Russian forces are attempting to stifle Ukrainian advances while enduring constant shelling and drone attacks targeting not just military installations, but civilians as well. Instances of Ukrainian forces deliberately targeting civilian vehicles have surfaced, raising concerns about the nature of engagements in the area.
The situation remains focused on the front lines, where Russian troops continue to resist various Ukrainian offensives. As of March 23, reports from the field indicate no changes in the frontline, with Russian forces maintaining a defensive posture against continued assaults from the AFU.
The conflict escalates with each passing day, as shelling, assaults, and positional warfare dominate the landscape. The Russian military reports that while they have seen some positional progress in areas north of Guevo and Melovo, heavy fighting persists along critical supply routes, including the Sudzha checkpoint.
Despite the dire circumstances, volunteer groups have been active in evacuating individuals from conflict zones, with comprehensive efforts resulting in the extraction of over 571 people, including 16 children, from areas under fire since March 12.
Unfortunately, civilian casualties continue to mount, with drone strikes causing harm to local residents. An attack in Konyshevka intruded on a peaceful night, injuring a woman and resulting in significant property damage. The escalating violence visibly weighs down on the communities within these embattled regions.
As the situation develops, Russian military officials are focused on securing the border and containing the offensive from across the river. The capture of Demidovka, if confirmed, may represent not only a tactical moment in the ongoing struggle for territorial control but could also change the dynamics of the conflict as it indicates a new front opening in Belgorod, where the AFU seeks to upset Russian defenses.
Concurrently, the international community continues to scrutinize the evolving humanitarian situation amid ongoing military engagements. Relief efforts for those displaced provide a crucial lifeline while authorities grapple with maintaining order amid uncertainty.
Looking ahead, both Russian and Ukrainian forces are verbalizing a commitment to hold their positions. Observers anticipate that the coming days will bring further developments, with both sides actively preparing for the next phase of conflict as the situation tightens around the borders.
