Ukraine has claimed control over approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of Russian territory in the border province of Kursk.
Humanitarian Plan for Region
The surprising advance was launched on August 6 by Ukrainian forces, who penetrated up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) into Russian territory, according to Ziare.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army, announced the progress during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who later shared images from the meeting on Telegram.
Zelensky stated that a "humanitarian plan" is being prepared for the region, which currently remains under Ukrainian control despite Russian reinforcements being sent to halt their advance.
Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov reported that 28 localities, home to around 2,000 people, are now under Ukrainian control. The situation remains chaotic, with 12 civilians killed, 121 injured, and tens of thousands awaiting evacuation.
Frontlines Unclear
The frontlines in Kursk are unclear, complicating the Russian military’s response. According to Russian military bloggers, Ukrainian forces are not controlling a coherent territory but are instead using mobile sabotage units to disrupt Russian reinforcements.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Defense Ministry to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk, accusing Ukraine of attempting to destabilize Russia, reduce pressure on the Eastern and Southern fronts, and gain leverage in any future peace negotiations.
Putin dismissed the possibility of peace talks, condemning the Ukrainian attacks on civilian populations and nuclear facilities, including the Kursk nuclear plant, which is now just a few dozen kilometers away from Ukrainian forces.
