Ukrainian Forces Leave Destruction in Kursk Operation, AP Visits Seized Town

Associated Press reporters recently journeyed to Sudzha, the largest town that has fallen to Ukrainian forces since the conflict with Russia escalated on August 6. This visit was organized by the Ukrainian government.

SUDZHA, Russia — The path taken by Ukrainian forces during their bold incursion into Russia has left a trail of devastation. Sudzha now stands as a significant milestone, marking the most considerable gain for Ukraine’s military. Notably, the central square features a statue of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, its surface marred by artillery fire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Thursday that his troops have taken full control of the town.

Windows are shattered in a nearby administrative building, its yellow facade appearing scorched and riddled with bullet holes. The visible damage speaks to the intensity of the conflict.

The Ukrainian military continues to secure one Russian settlement after another in this unexpected operation. There is a hope within Kyiv that this maneuver could alter the longstanding dynamics of the conflict that has persisted for over two and a half years.

Russia’s armed forces have struggled to mount a strong response to the incursion into the Kursk region, marking the most significant attack on Russian soil since World War II. Sudzha, located just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Ukrainian border, represents the largest town to fall under Ukrainian control during this current offensive.

Evidence of Ukraine’s rapid advance can be seen all along the roads leading to the town. A sign, peppered with bullet holes, indicates directions: Ukraine pointing left and Russia to the right. Nearby, a destroyed Russian tank lies abandoned.

Photos and video taken by the AP were subject to review by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, a standard protocol for such journalist excursions.

This unexpected military action has shifted the narrative of the ongoing conflict, leading to the evacuation of over 120,000 civilians, as reported by Russian officials, while Kyiv claims to have captured at least 100 Russian troops. The incursion has provided a morale boost for Ukraine, a nation and military grappling with the steady advance of Russian forces for more than two years since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion.

However, despite these developments, Russia retains an overall strategic advantage on the broader battlefield.

The full implications of the Kursk operation remain uncertain, particularly regarding how long Ukraine intends to hold onto Russian territory and the potential strategic benefits involved. Could Sudzha become a bargaining chip in future ceasefire discussions? If that occurs, will Ukraine assume an occupying role in a territory that currently belongs to Russia, which has claimed a fifth of Ukraine’s land?

Ukrainian officials and military personnel have targeted the diversion of Russian reserves from key battlegrounds in eastern Ukraine as a primary goal of the Kursk operation. Nonetheless, Moscow has shown little evidence of reallocating significant troop numbers from these crucial fronts or diminishing their operational tempo.

President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine plans to establish a command office in Sudzha to coordinate military and aid efforts, indicating a potential long-term presence in the Kursk region. This may also serve to convey a message to Moscow about Ukraine’s strategic intentions.

Responses from Ukraine’s Western allies have been sparse regarding this sudden military initiative. However, U.S. President Joe Biden has noted he remains informed about ongoing developments.

Before the conflict erupted, Sudzha boasted a population of around 5,000 and holds strategic significance. The town offers access to critical roads for continuing operations within Russia. Furthermore, the flow of natural gas from the gas fields in West Siberia to Central Europe travels through a metering station situated in the Sudzha area, positioning Ukraine to disrupt this energy supply should it choose to do so.

On the ground in Sudzha, residents have taken shelter in the basement of a school. Their concerns about what awaits them grow as Ukrainian military operations continue in the Kursk region. Fighting persists south of Korenevo, another town regarded as a critical tactical target.