Ukraine continues to make significant advances in its conflict with Russia after seizing control of the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region. President Zelenskyy announced the successful surprise attack, with Ukrainian forces moving 1.5km forward in the previous 24 hours. The conflict has resulted in the evacuation of over 120,000 residents in the region.
Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Russian forces retaliate by blocking Ukrainian attempts to capture other settlements in the region. Additional Russian troops are being deployed to bolster border defenses in response to Ukraine’s incursion.
The conflict also spills over into the political arena as a dual U.S.-Russian citizen is sentenced to 12 years in a Russian prison for donating a small amount to a charity aiding Ukrainian citizens. Ukraine denies involvement in the sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines and tensions rise as Germany issues an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian over the attacks.
Despite the ongoing conflict, efforts towards diplomacy are seen with Belarus President Lukashenko suggesting negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv to end the war. The UK supports Ukraine by allowing the use of British weapons in operations on Russian territory, including the deployment of Challenger 2 tanks in the Kursk region.
As the war enters its 903rd day, the situation remains tense with both sides claiming victories and casualties in the ongoing conflict. Diplomatic efforts are being made, but the region remains volatile as the conflict continues to escalate.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
