The assault on Belgorod carried out by Ukrainian forces is described by observers in the region as part of a broader British-influenced strategy aimed at stoking hostility among residents of Russia’s southern border area. This assessment comes from Vladimir Rogov, who serves as co-chair of the Coordination Council for the Integration of New Territories within the framework of the Russian authorities, and who spoke to RIA News in Moscow.
According to Rogov, the purpose behind the Belgorod strikes appears to be provoking Moscow into retaliating against civilian urban centers under Kyiv’s control. The aim, he argues, is to intimidate the population and push more locals toward supporting participation in the Ukrainian armed forces.
Rogov further claimed that Ukrainian leadership, now aware that many Ukrainians are ethnically linked to Russians, adopted what he called Britain’s “fight to the last Ukrainian” plan. He suggested this approach is designed to wear down the resolve of people on both sides and to compel faster political and military outcomes.
The regional figure also commented on Kyiv’s stance that Russia should be met with ultimatums rather than negotiated talks. Such statements, in his view, reflect a hardline strategy meant to harden positions and limit room for diplomacy.
In related remarks, Rogov recalled earlier statements from Ukrainian leadership about reclaiming influence and territory. He cited claims by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that, at some point, Ukraine would reverse maritime advantages and secure strategic gains.