Ukrainian special forces said on Monday that they destroyed four military helicopters in Russia’s Belgorod region with Hima Rocket systems. The Special Operations Command released drone footage and “worked with the Ministry of Defense, missile forces and artillery GUR to destroy two enemy KA-52s and two MI-8 helicopters in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation.” The strike occurred at a hidden “jump point” of a Russian aircraft used in a surprising attack on Ukrainian forces, the group said. According to war observers in Russia and Ukrainian, Ukrainian forces have been clashing since March 18th into the Oblast region of Belgorod, including the village of Demidovka. Some claimed that the Ukrainian army was able to seize a small amount of Belgorod’s territory. Their reports could not be verified.
The Russian missile attack hit a densely populated area, including Ukrainian schools, on Monday, and injured 88 people, including 17 children, Smie city officials said. Regional Governor Volodymyr Artiukh said that they were evacuated to air raid shelters, which spared more children from injuries. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Adriy Sibikha said: “Instead of making a false statement about peace, Russia must stop bombing the city and end the war with civilians.” Sammy has crossed the border from Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian forces hold Russian territory since August 2024.
As of Monday night, a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was partially or otherwise not agreed, despite Russia’s claims that Ukrainians were violating by attacking energy stations. After Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin on March 18, it was said that the Russian president had stopped such attacks for 30 days. However, talks involving the US, Ukraine and Russia were postponed in Saudi Arabia on Monday, with a ceasefire yet to be signed. “Since March 11th, there have been unconditional ceasefire proposals on the table, and these attacks may have already been stopped,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday evening.
It will be the turn of the Ukrainian and US delegations to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The talks in Riyadh appeared to be coalescing around the safety of transportation in the Black Sea. Washington supports Russia’s main objective, the Black Sea ceasefire deal, before securing a broader agreement. Ukraine caused major naval losses to Russia in the Black Sea. They retreated their navy from Crimea to Moscow by sinking flagships there, blowing up submarines and other ships, and crippling Russian bases. At the same time, Russia was unable to stop Ukrainian grain and other exports, despite rescinding what is known as the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” and returning to attacking vessels and Ukrainian civil port infrastructure.
A “massive targeted cyberattack” hit Ukrazariznizzia, a Ukrainian railway operator, on Sunday, the company said, adding that it was working to restore the system on Monday. The company said the attack did not affect train movements or schedules, but disrupt the online booking system.
Guo Zi-Kung, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said that after reports surfaced that China may send peacekeeping forces to enforce the peace agreement, “Let me stress that the report is completely false. China’s position on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and consistent.” China, along with diplomatic support, is providing trade revenues from oil and other natural resources to Russia, but has not given arms or sent staff. However, China is closely linked to North Korea, and North Korea sent its troops to fight alongside the Russian troops.
The Russian-established governor said that the Ukrainian bombardment on Monday killed six people in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine. According to Russian reports, two of the dead were working for Zvezda, a propaganda television station owned by the Russian military. Meanwhile, another worked for the National Alliance and the internationally sanctioned Izvestia newspaper. This is part of a media group chaired by the rumored mistress of sanctioned Vladimir Putin. Russian authorities described media employees as journalists and claimed they were intentionally targeted. There were no comments from Ukrainian officials.
