Zelensky: Ukrainian troops control over 1250 square kilometers of the Kursk region

20 August, 2024 The Armed Forces of Ukraine during rotation from Kursk oblast. Photo from open sources The Ukrainian Defense Forces control more than 1,250 square kilometers of the Kursk region.

As well as 92 settlements in this region of the aggressor country. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a speech at a meeting of heads of foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine. "Ukrainian soldiers are continuing their defense operation in certain areas of the Kursk region.

Today, our forces control over 1,250 square kilometers of enemy territory and 92 settlements. We continue to strengthen our positions, stabilize certain areas, and replenish the exchange fund for Ukraine," Zelensky said. According to him, this military operation was the largest investment in the process of liberating Ukrainians from Russian captivity.

"We have already captured the largest number of Russian POWs in one operation, and this is a significant result, and this is one of our goals, and our actions continue," the President noted.

M113 armored personnel carriers of the Ukrainian military participating in the Kursk operation. Ukraine, Sumy region. August 2024.

Photo credits: Reuters

Zelensky noted that it is not yet possible to speak publicly about which Ukrainian units are involved in certain areas of the Kursk region. "But I am grateful to every unit. I want to thank all our heroes on our behalf.

Now, the Russian border opposite our Sumy region is largely cleared of the presence of the Russian army. And this is also among our operation's tactical goals," Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.

Operation in the Kursk region

On August 6, Ukrainian troops launched an offensive in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the operation is to create a buffer zone to protect residents of Ukraine's border regions from Russian shelling.

According to the military command, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have taken control of dozens of settlements, including the town of Sudzha. The rapid advance deep into the territory of the aggressor country led to the disorganization of the Russian army units that were directly on the border or in the near rear.

Some of the Russian military were forced to surrender to Ukrainian troops.