KYIV: Ukrainian military forces captured around 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory and are continuing offensive operations in the Kursk region, Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced in a video on Monday.
In the video published on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s social media, Oleksandr Syrsky said, “We continue to conduct offensive operations in the Kursk region. As of now, about 1,000 square kilometres of the territory of the Russian Federation are under our control.”
Syrsky confirmed that Ukrainian troops are actively advancing in the Kursk region, having taken control of over two dozen settlements. This new front line extends approximately 40 kilometres into Russian territory, with Ukraine’s forces penetrating up to 30 kilometres in some areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, responding to the unexpected Ukrainian assault, has ordered his military to “dislodge” Ukrainian forces from the captured areas.
Putin’s comments came during a televised meeting where he described the Ukrainian operation as an attempt to “sow discord, strife, intimidate people, and destroy the unity and cohesion of Russian society.”
Putin stressed that the primary goal for Russia’s Defence Ministry is to reclaim the territories and address the impact on local populations.
Putin said Russia would respond by showing “unanimous support for all those in distress” and claimed there had been an increase in men signing up to fight. “The enemy will receive a worthy riposte,” he said.
Since the commencement of the conflict in the Kursk region, over 120,000 people have been evacuated, according to regional governor Alexei Smirnov. The evacuations have been expanded to additional districts as the fighting intensifies.
In response to the Ukrainian offensive, Russia has mobilized reserve troops and increased its military presence in the affected areas. The Kremlin has deployed tanks, aviation, artillery, and drones in an attempt to counter the Ukrainian advance. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian forces have managed to maintain their positions and continue their operations.
Russian Defence Ministry reported that its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 18 Ukrainian drones, including 11 over the Kursk region. The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry has also been active in providing financial assistance to residents affected by the conflict, with over 44,000 residents applying for aid.
The Ukrainian assault has reportedly caught the Kremlin off guard, with Russian forces struggling to contain the breach. Analysts suggest that the operation might be aimed at relieving pressure on Ukrainian troops fighting on other fronts. Ukrainian officials have said that the goal is to stretch Russian defences, inflict significant losses, and destabilize the situation within Russia.
Residents in the Kursk region have expressed fear and concern over the ongoing conflict. Marina, who fled to Moscow, described the situation as “scary,” highlighting the constant presence of helicopters overhead.
Kyiv launched a surprise offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region last Tuesday, capturing over two dozen settlements in the most significant cross-border attack on Russian soil since World War II.
Russia conceded on Sunday that Ukraine had penetrated up to 30 kilometres (20 miles) into Russian territory in places.
A Ukrainian official said thousands of Ukrainian troops were involved in the operation. The official said: “Their pressure in the east continues, they are not pulling back troops from the area,” even if “the intensity of Russian attacks has gone down a little bit”.
The Ukrainian official said he expected Russia would “in the end” stop the incursion.
