Russia announces defeat of pro-Ukrainian fighters in Belgorod region, saying 70 ‘invaders’ were killed

The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday afternoon that the “Ukrainian formations” that entered the Belgorod region on Monday have been “blocked and defeated.”

The ministry said it employed “aviation, artillery, and units from the Western Military District” to “destroy” the pro-Ukrainian forces.

According to a ministry official, more than 70 participants in the “invasion” were killed, while four armored vehicles and five pickup trucks were destroyed.

“The remaining members of the Ukrainian formations were driven out of the Belgorod region onto Ukrainian territory, where they were hit with strikes until they were completely eliminated,” he said.