100 Russian Soldiers Captured as Ukraine Gains Ground in Kursk, Zelenskiy Says

11.43am BST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasized that his country is not neglecting the eastern front amid ongoing military operations. He stated, “I have instructed the commander-in-chief to strengthen this direction using the equipment and supplies currently provided by our partners.”

Zelenskiy also shared updates regarding advancements in the Kursk region, indicating that Ukrainian troops have moved one to two kilometers forward in various areas. During this period, more than 100 Russian servicemen have been captured by Ukrainian forces.

Additionally, Ukraine’s military has reported the downing of a Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber in the Kursk region, further demonstrating the ongoing conflict in the area.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated, “We must continue to show our steadfast support to Ukraine and further raise the cost of war for Russia,” echoing a unified call among supporters of Ukraine in matters relating to the conflict.

The Polish national prosecutor’s office recently noted that Volodymyr Z., a suspect wanted by German authorities for his involvement in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, escaped to Ukraine in early July and was not arrested in Poland.

The Sudzha crossing, which Ukrainians have successfully pushed into, is now approximately five miles away from the current front line within Russia’s Kursk oblast. This area, firmly under Ukrainian control, has seen military operations for over a week, with outgoing artillery sounds indicating ongoing hostilities rather than incoming attacks.

In a brief visit, it became evident that the military presence at the Sudzha crossing is heavily fortified, with guards stationed to monitor the area. Despite this, Ukraine’s foreign ministry insists there is no intention to permanently occupy Russian territory, stating that the actions are fundamentally about “protecting the lives of our people.” This reflects a strategy aimed at hitting Russian forces where they are perceived to be most vulnerable.

The onset of the incursion saw videos from Ukrainian sources depicting Russian border guards surrendering following unexpected assaults. Although there is visible damage in the region, much of it occurred prior to the latest military actions. The remnants of past combat are evident, with debris being cleared to aid mobility in the area.

More military resources have been deployed in the form of armored vehicles, marking a noticeable increase compared to other points throughout the protracted conflict. Ukrainian sources report that thousands of troops have been allocated to the operation, highlighting the scale and importance of the campaign.

Amid the advance, Ukraine’s actions have been seen as placing peace negotiations with Russia “on a long pause,” a sentiment echoed by Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian foreign ministry special envoy.

A German investigation continues regarding the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, with an arrest warrant issued for Volodymyr Z. This individual is believed to be one of the divers responsible for placing explosives, having vanished following the issuance of a European arrest warrant in June.

In response to the escalating situation, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, has declared a state of emergency, indicating heightened tensions. He relayed information about drone attacks from Ukraine, noting that while damage occurred in residential areas, there were no casualties reported.

Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, recently met with James O’Brien, the US assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs. This meeting focused on the battlefield situation and defense agreements, with Yermak stressing the ongoing need for increased sanctions against Russia.

As Russia attempts to regain control over these areas, military responses including missile strikes and drone usage have intensified. Senior commanders claim to have halted Ukrainian advances, but the reality on the ground reveals that Ukrainian forces continue to maintain control over several settlements.

In this context, Ukraine is adamant that its operations are not about territorial acquisition but about ensuring the safety of its citizens. Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry, affirmed this stance, asserting, “Unlike Russia, Ukraine does not need other people’s property.”

As the situation in the Kursk region unfolds, military actions on both sides continue, shaping the ongoing dynamics of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Source: Reuters