Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been briefed on the ongoing surprise military operation in Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6. The operation has seen Ukrainian forces seize several villages, take hundreds of prisoners, and force the evacuation of tens of thousands of civilians. Russian troops are still struggling to drive out Ukrainian forces, with President Zelenskyy emphasizing the need to inflict maximum damage on Russian positions.
While Kyiv hopes the operation will change the dynamic of the long-standing conflict, officials in Ukraine stress that the aim is not to occupy Russian territories. Ukrainian officials have indicated that the military campaign is intended to persuade Russia to enter a fair negotiation process rather than conquer territory.
On the other hand, Russian gains continue in eastern Ukraine as Moscow claims to have captured the town of Serhiivka. In response, Ukrainian forces continue to advance in the Kursk region, with battles ongoing to replenish the “exchange fund” for captive Ukrainians. Russian officials in the Belgorod region have announced plans to evacuate five villages in response to the military developments.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated significantly in recent weeks, with both sides engaged in fierce battles and aiming to achieve their strategic objectives. The situation remains fluid as the military operations continue to unfold on both sides of the border.
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