Ukrainian Forces Created Destruction on Route to Russian Town Sudzha

In an unprecedented move, Ukrainian forces have launched a bold incursion into Russia, carving a path of destruction through the border and into the town of Sudzha. This unexpected offensive has gained attention as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Sudzha is now under full control of Ukrainian troops.

The aftermath of the incursion is evident throughout Sudzha, particularly in the town’s central square, where artillery fire has left visible damage on a statue of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin. Nearby, the administrative building shows shattered windows and a facade marked by scorch and bullet holes, signifying the intensity of the conflict.

The incursion, which began on August 6, has seen Ukrainian forces overrun multiple Russian settlements, aiming to shift the longstanding dynamic of the ongoing war, which has persisted for over two and a half years.

As the operation unfolds, Russian military forces appear unable to mount a significant defensive response to the attack on the Kursk region. Sudzha, situated just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border, represents the largest town to be overtaken by Ukrainian troops during this offensive.

The signs of Ukraine’s rapid advance are evident along the routes leading to Sudzha, where remnants of the conflict are scattered. A particular sign, riddled with bullet holes, indicates the direction to Ukraine on one side and Russia on the other, while a burnt-out tank rusts alongside the road, a stark reminder of the battle that has taken place.

During a recent visit to the region, Associated Press journalists captured images and video of the devastation, with content approved by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, in accordance with standard protocol for such missions.

This incursion has led to significant shifts in the war, prompting the evacuation of over 120,000 civilians, according to Russian officials, and resulting in the capture of at least 100 Russian soldiers, as reported by Kyiv. It has provided a much-needed morale boost for Ukraine’s military, which has been under pressure from continuous Russian offensives.

However, despite this apparent tactical gain, the overarching strategic advantage remains with Russia. The full extent and long-term objectives of the Kursk operation have yet to be clarified. There are questions regarding whether Ukraine aims to maintain its hold on Sudzha and use it as leverage in future negotiations, especially considering the complexity of occupying territory in a nation that still controls a significant portion of its own land.

Ukrainian officials have indicated that a primary goal of the Kursk offensive is to divert Russian military resources from key battlegrounds in eastern Ukraine. However, Russia has shown no indication of withdrawing troops or reducing its operations in these critical areas.

President Zelenskyy has announced plans to set up a command office in Sudzha to oversee military coordination and aid, signaling a possible long-term intention to remain present in the region. This move may also serve as a warning to Moscow of Ukraine’s commitment to the area.

While Western allies have largely refrained from commenting on this surprise operation, U.S. President Joe Biden has assured that he is being kept informed about the developments on the ground.

Before the conflict escalated, Sudzha was home to approximately 5,000 residents and holds some strategic significance. Its location provides access to critical roadways for continued operations within Russia. Additionally, the area features a metering station for natural gas that flows from West Siberian fields to Central Europe, which could give Ukraine leverage to disrupt supply if necessary.

As the residents of Sudzha take refuge in school basements, uncertain about their futures, the Ukrainian forces continue their advance. Clashes are reported to be ongoing, particularly south of Korenevo, a town of similar size to Sudzha that poses another potential tactical milestone for Ukraine.