Statement by the Russian Ministry of defence - 2024-03-12

This morning, units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, together with units of the border guard service of the Federal Security Service of Russia, foiled an attempt by the Kiev regime to make a breakthrough into the border territory of the Russian Federation in Belgorod and Kursk regions. ▫️ At around 03:00 , after intensive shelling of civilian objects, Ukrainian terrorist formations supported by tanks and armoured combat vehicles attempted to invade Russian territory in three directions: from the direction of Odnorobovka (Kharkov region) and in the areas of Nekhoteyevka and Spodariushino (Belgorod region). ▫️ Through the self-sacrificing actions of Russian servicemen, all the attacks by Ukrainian terrorist formations have been enemy was struck by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems. ▫️ The enemy lost up to 60 Ukrainian terrorists and four pickup trucks near Odnorobovka (Kharkov region). ▫️ Up to 45 militants, two tanks and two armoured personnel carriers were eliminated close to Nekhoteyevka, Belgorod region, on the Ukrainian side of the border territory near Nekhoteyevka (Belgorod region) by strikes of Russian aviation, artillery, and Lancet unmanned aerial vehicles. ▫️ On border territory of the Ukrainian side near Spodariushino (Belgorod region), competent action by units covering the state border and strikes by Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, using Vikhr ATGMs, Russian troops destroyed more than 100 militants, five tanks, three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, and two vehicles travelling towards the state border of the Russian Federation. Another engineering demolition vehicle exploded on a mine. ▫️ In addition, between 08:00 and 08:20 Moscow time, four attacks by Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups attempting to break into border territory near Tetkino (Kursk region) were repulsed. ▫️ As a result of active actions by units covering the state border of the Zapad Group of Forces and the border service of the Federal Security Service of Russia, the terrorist formations of the Kiev regime have been repelled. ▫️ The enemy lost 234 militants killed, seven tanks, three Bradley BMPs, and two armoured personnel carriers. ▫️ There have been no violations of the state border.