Ukrainian Forces Advance Deeper into Russia, According to Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that Ukrainian forces are continuing their advance further into Russia, as the largest cross-border attack by Ukraine extends into its second week. The operation, which began on August 6, sees Ukrainian troops entering the Kursk region, marking the most significant foreign military engagement on Russian soil since World War II.

Zelenskyy shared on social media that Ukrainian troops have managed to move one to two kilometers (approximately 0.6 to 1.2 miles) into the Kursk region. He also noted that Ukraine has successfully captured over 100 Russian soldiers during the incursion.

In response to the escalating situation, Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Igor Klymenko, stated that the country would establish a “buffer zone” in the Kursk region. This buffer zone aims to protect Ukrainian border communities from ongoing Russian shelling. Klymenko emphasized that this measure is crucial for safeguarding those living near the border.

The situation prompted the neighboring Russian region of Belgorod to declare a state of emergency. The governor of Belgorod warned that the region was facing an “extremely difficult” situation due to Ukrainian drone attacks and artillery strikes.

A recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War revealed that Ukrainian forces have advanced into an area covering at least 310 square miles of Russian territory as of the latest updates on Monday. Meanwhile, Russian officials have claimed that their military successfully repelled Ukrainian advances in five areas of Kursk, stating that any attempts by enemy units to penetrate deeper into Russian territory had been thwarted.

Since the outset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces have captured significant parts of southern and eastern Ukraine and have frequently shelled Ukrainian cities with missiles and drones. After some territorial recovery by Ukraine last year, a long-anticipated counteroffensive had diffused without achieving its initial objectives.

Ukraine has indicated its willingness to refrain from retaining any territories captured during its recent operations, provided that Russia consents to discussions for a “just peace.” Foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy stated that the cessation of raids into Russia would correlate with Russia’s agreement to restore peace.

President Joe Biden remarked that the incursion has placed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a challenging situation. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Holly Williams characterized the developments as “humiliating” for Putin, noting footage of captured Russian soldiers being transported back into Ukraine, underscoring the inverse reality of a once powerful nation being breached.

This military activity has led to significant displacement; more than 120,000 Russians have fled their homes in border areas of Kursk. Ukraine announced its intention to create “humanitarian corridors” for civilians in the captured regions, facilitating their safe exit either into Ukraine or Russia. Concurrently, the country pledged to allow international humanitarian organizations access to help affected civilians.

Footage indicating Ukrainian control was shared by TSN, showing troops atop a local building in the Kursk town of Sudzha as they removed a Russian flag, celebrating their advance with chants of “Glory to Ukraine!” Meanwhile, civilians in Moscow expressed their apprehensions about the conflict extending closer to home, with many feeling the pressure and uncertainty of the situation.

Putin has vowed to “dislodge” Ukrainian forces from Russian territory, accusing Ukraine of using its advances to strengthen its bargaining position in future negotiations. On the Ukrainian side, reports highlighted the visible destruction and signs of intense fighting, with broken concrete fortifications and collapsed security buildings marking the aftermath of the military confrontations.

Additionally, Ukrainian forces targeted several military airfields in central and western Russia, deploying long-range drones in what is being described as the largest assault on Russian military installations during the ongoing conflict. This operation aims to limit the Russian military’s ability to launch strikes against Ukraine.