Ukraine Advances in Kursk, Captures 1,150 km² and 82 Settlements

Aug 15, 2024, 03:50 PM

Ukraine has launched a significant offensive into Russia's Kursk region, capturing over 1,150 square kilometers and 82 settlements, including the strategic town of Sudzha. Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 35 kilometers into Russian territory, marking the largest foreign military presence on Russian soil since World War II. In response, Russia has ordered the evacuation of over 20,000 residents from the Glushkovsky District and redeployed thousands of troops from occupied Ukraine to defend the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strategic goals of the operation are being achieved. A military commandant's office has been established in the occupied areas, led by Major General Eduard Moskalyov, to maintain law and order. The offensive has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's defenses and prompted a state of emergency declaration in the Belgorod region. Ukraine claims to control about 1,000 square kilometers and has taken 100 prisoners of war. The forces are advancing 1.5 km daily in some areas.