Zelenskyy: Ukrainian Troops Fully Control Russian Town of Sudzha

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Wednesday that Ukraine is achieving its “strategic goal” in the ongoing offensive within the Kursk region. In a televised address, he highlighted a significant increase in the “exchange fund” available to Ukraine, underscoring the success of the military operation.

As of Thursday, Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian troops had gained full control of Sudzha, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict as it represents the largest Russian town to fall under Ukraine’s control since the cross-border incursion commenced over a week ago. Although Sudzha had a pre-war population of around 5,000, it serves as the administrative center for the border area of Russia’s Kursk region, making its capture strategically significant.

Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine’s military plans to establish a command office in Sudzha, suggesting a long-term presence in the region. Although he did not provide specific details about the functions of this office, he previously stated that humanitarian assistance would be distributed to Sudzha’s residents in need, indicating efforts to support the local populace.

In response, Russian authorities have not publicly acknowledged Zelenskyy’s claims immediately. However, the Russian defense ministry reported that their forces had successfully blocked Ukrainian attempts to seize control of several other communities in the region.

The unexpected Ukrainian incursion has dramatically altered the dynamics of the war, resulting in more than 120,000 civilians evacuating from the Kursk area according to local officials. Additionally, at least 100 Russian troops have been captured during the offensive, as reported by Kyiv.

Zelenskyy emphasized that one of the motivations for this incursion was to safeguard neighboring Ukrainian territories. He stated, “The more Russian military presence is eliminated in the border regions, the closer peace and genuine security will be for our state. The Russian state must take responsibility for its actions.”

This incursion is particularly notable due to its size, rapid execution, and the involvement of experienced Ukrainian brigades, with estimates suggesting up to 10,000 troops are engaged in the offensive. This marks the first time that foreign military forces have invaded and occupied Russian territory since World War II.

Despite reports from Russian military bloggers that reinforcements sent to the Kursk region have impeded Ukrainian advances, analysts are questioning whether this situation could compel Moscow to redeploy troops from eastern Ukraine, an area where Russian forces have made slow progress in recent months.

John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, noted that Russia has transferred some forces, including infantry units, from Ukraine to Kursk. However, sources indicated that it appears this transfer lacks substantial armored battalions or other significant combat resources. This may require Moscow to shift more troops to the Kursk region to counter Kyiv’s advancing forces.

By Thursday, the Ukrainian military claimed to have control over more than 80 towns and settlements within the Kursk region. Reports from Russian military bloggers indicated that Ukrainian mechanized units continued to test Russian defensive positions. Furthermore, satellite images revealed damage to Russian air bases due to Ukrainian drone strikes, including significant damage to hangars.

Acting Governor of Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, ordered the evacuation of the Glushkovo region, located about 45 kilometers northwest of Sudzha. This decision implies that Ukrainian forces are progressively moving into the area.

Amidst the chaos, evacuees shared their harrowing experiences, with one woman recounting her escape from Sudzha, describing the sounds of shelling and the frantic rush to safety. Many of the evacuees were seen waiting in long lines for essential supplies, reflecting the dire situation on the ground.

Moreover, Russia has announced a federal-level state of emergency in the Belgorod region, a day after a regional emergency was declared, indicating a worsening situation that is impacting aid delivery in the area.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, chief military officer of Ukraine, stated earlier this week that Ukrainian forces have claimed 1,000 square kilometers of the Kursk region. However, independent verification of this claim has not been possible. The fluid nature of the contact lines in Kursk allows for easier movement for both sides, contrasting with the static front lines seen in eastern Ukraine.

Russian officials have contested Syrskyi’s assertions, with Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador labeling the Ukrainian operation as “an incursion of terrorist sabotage groups” rather than a conventional front line battle. He described the operation as a reckless move that does not necessitate troop reassignment from their positions in eastern Ukraine.

Notably, Sudzha features a measuring station for Russian natural gas transporting through Ukrainian pipelines, which accounts for about 3% of Europe’s imports. However, no indications of disruptions to gas flow have been reported.

Source: Associated Press