In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have reportedly made substantial progress in Russia's Kursk region. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, troops have fortified their positions and expanded their control over territory in the area.
The Ukrainian military claims to have captured more than 80 settlements across approximately 1,150 square kilometers in Kursk since August 6, 2024. This operation marks the most extensive incursion into Russian territory since World War II, which concluded in Europe nearly 80 years ago.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian army chief, reported ongoing advancements and the capture of Russian military personnel. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the soldiers and commanders involved in these operations, emphasizing the importance of these actions in facilitating the release of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.
The Ukrainian military has reportedly employed Western-supplied weaponry in this operation, including the possible use of U.S.-made HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). These advanced rocket launchers, developed in the late 1990s, have allegedly been used to target strategic infrastructure.
Russia has labeled this incursion as a significant provocation and pledged to respond accordingly. This escalation comes approximately two and a half years after Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, distinguishing it from the earlier conflict that began in 2014.
Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled numerous Russian attacks in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian troops thwarted dozens of assaults near Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics center, and Toretsk. The Ukrainian military stated that 51 Russian attacks were halted near Pokrovsk and an additional 13 near Toretsk within a 24-hour period.
The Donetsk region, part of the larger Donbas area, has been partially under the control of Russian-backed separatists since 2014. This recent intensification of military activities underscores the persistent volatility in the region, despite international efforts to resolve the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on the developments in Ukraine. The United Nations General Assembly has passed multiple resolutions condemning Russia's invasion, reflecting global concern over the ongoing conflict.
"Our soldiers and units are doing everything to destroy the occupier and repel the assaults. The situation is under control."
This statement, shared via the Telegram messaging app, highlights the Ukrainian leadership's confidence in their military capabilities and strategic position.
As Ukraine approaches its 33rd year of independence since breaking away from the Soviet Union in 1991, the nation continues to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The recent advancements in Kursk and the defensive successes in Donetsk demonstrate Ukraine's resilience and determination in the face of ongoing challenges.