Ukrainian intelligence spokesman Andrei Yusuf said two corps known as the "Freedom of Russia" and "Russian Volunteer Corps" were carrying out an operation inside Belgorod. A group calling itself the Russian Freedom Corps claimed responsibility for the attack.
A large part of the population left the area in question, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram. He hoped that "our soldiers will soon complete their mission and eliminate the enemy" Russia said its forces had taken control of the entire city of Pakhmut after months of fighting.