Zelensky: Ukrainian Forces Continue Advancing into Russian Territory

Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announced that Ukrainian forces are effectively advancing into Russian territory following a surprise offensive. Kyiv reported a significant drone attack on four key Russian airbases as part of this incursion.

Zelenskiy noted that Ukraine’s military has progressed several kilometers into Russian land, marking one of the most significant offensives since World War II. Reports indicated that Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-34 jet overnight in the Kursk region and captured 100 Russian prisoners during the operation.

Russia confirmed Ukraine’s claims of the drone attack, stating that it managed to down 117 incoming Ukrainian drones. The drone strikes targeted the Russian airbases in Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk, which are reportedly utilized by Russian warplanes for glide bomb assaults on Ukraine.

Earlier in the conflict, Zelenskiy had asserted that Ukraine “controlled” 74 Russian settlements, although it remained unclear if those areas were fully occupied by Ukrainian troops.

In a recent address, Zelenskiy urged the nation to act with the same unity as in the early stages of the conflict, when Ukraine began reclaiming initiative. He expressed confidence that Ukrainians could achieve their goals of defending independence and interests despite the ongoing challenges.

State television from Ukraine broadcasted footage of its soldiers removing a Russian flag from an official building in Sudzha in the Kursk region. The report also showcased devastated Russian military equipment and Ukrainian troops providing humanitarian aid while taking down Russian flags.

Yuri Podolyaka, a military blogger with pro-Russian leanings, remarked that the situation remains challenging. He indicated that, despite Ukraine’s initiative, Russian forces still possess the upper hand and are gradually increasing their presence in the Kursk area.

The ongoing incursion, which began over a week ago, has seen Ukraine launch attacks across multiple border regions. In response, Russia has struggled to counter these actions, redirecting troops from the eastern Donbas front to address the Ukrainian advance.

Simultaneously, the Belgorod border region of Russia, under heavy bombardment from Ukrainian forces, declared a state of emergency, echoing similar actions taken in Kursk. The regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, described the situation as dire, with attacks causing significant destruction and civilian casualties.

In a statement on social media, he mentioned that efforts are underway to evacuate vulnerable populations, relocating around 5,000 children to safer areas.

Ukrainian officials clarified that their aim is not to occupy Russian territory but to prevent missile attacks on Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Ukrainian forces specifically targeted the Kursk region due to its weak command and control system, rendering it vulnerable to incursions.

Retired U.S. Vice Admiral Robert Murrett noted that the situation remains fluid, with indications that Russian military responses are still in disarray, lacking effective unity of command. He emphasized that the upcoming days will be crucial for both sides involved in the conflict.

The surprise offensive commenced on August 6, unsettling Kremlin officials, and is estimated to involve around 10,000 Ukrainian troops backed by heavy armor and artillery support. Besides its immediate objectives, the operation aims to divert Russian forces from the eastern frontlines, thereby alleviating pressure on Ukraine in critical locations.

This situation poses a dilemma for Moscow, which must decide whether to withdraw troops from the eastern frontlines to safeguard Kursk or maintain focus on offensive operations in Donetsk, a primary objective of the Kremlin.

According to the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War, the incursion is unlikely to significantly alter the war’s dynamics. They indicated that Russian authorities would likely resist pulling military resources from Donetsk, continuing to allocate limited forces to Kursk instead.

Reports from Russian military bloggers also revealed that several irregular units deployed in the Donetsk region were being redirected to Kursk, including the Russian Volunteer Corps and a drone unit tied to a motorcycle gang.

U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the situation, highlighting the “real dilemma” facing President Vladimir Putin due to these developments.

The offensives have led to notable challenges for the Kremlin, with over 100,000 Russian civilians evacuated from contested zones. U.S. officials clarified that there was no prior notice given regarding Ukraine’s incursion, despite Russian assertions that Kyiv’s Western allies must have been aware of the plans.

A resident in Belgorod shared with the Associated Press that intense shelling had significantly decreased public support for the war as direct impacts were being felt. She noted that once explosions hit nearby, support for the conflict dwindled as the reality of war became palpable for many locals.

On Monday, Putin alleged that Ukraine, supported by its Western allies, seeks to bolster its negotiating stance before potential peace talks while concurrently aiming to impede Russian advances.