On Saturday, the Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announced that Ukrainian forces have consolidated their positions and spread their hold over larger areas in Russia’s Kursk region. This comes nearly a fortnight after the troops’ intrusion.
Over 80 settlements spread across approximately 1,150 sq km of Kursk have been captured by Ukraine since August 6th, marking the most significant invasion of Russia since World War II.
The president acknowledged the report by Oleksander Syrskyi, the head of his army, that stated the continuous advancement of Ukrainian troops and the capture of more Russian soldiers. Using the Telegram app, Zelenskiy expressed gratitude to all military servants and leaders who have taken Russian soldiers captive, thus inching closer to securing the release of Ukrainian troops and civilians held by Russia.
In a separate report, the Ukrainian military confirmed further progress in Kursk without divulging more information. Previously, it had cited a 35km advance.
Despite these claims, Reuters has yet to independently confirm the developments on the battlefield.
Responding to the intrusion, Russia labels it a grave provocation and promises a ‘fitting response’, especially considering it’s over two and a half years since their full-blown invasion of Ukraine.
Moscow accuses Ukraine of utilising western weaponry, speculating the use of American HIMARS rockets, to destroy a bridge and kill volunteers facilitating civilian evacuation.
Moreover, Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian forces have successfully resisted several Russian offensives near two locations in Ukraine’s Donetsk region – Pokrovsk and Toretsk. The military confirmed that they thwarted 51 Russian assaults near Pokrovsk, an essential logistics centre in the eastern part, and 13 near the Toretsk town within the past day.
“Mr Zelenskiy stated that our troops and divisions are pulling out all the stops to counter the invaders and fend off their attacks. The current circumstance is manageable,” as per his words.
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2024.