**Ukraine Captures Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk Region: Zelensky Confirms Ongoing Advances**
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken control of the Russian town of Sudzha. This significant development follows a cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region that began over a week ago. Despite Kyiv’s forces being present in Sudzha, located approximately 105 kilometers southwest of Kursk, since the previous Wednesday, this is the first official confirmation of the capture from President Zelensky.
Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian troops have made substantial progress since initiating their surprise assault. They have advanced 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) through Russian defenses, securing 1,150 square kilometers of territory and capturing 82 settlements. To ensure effective administration and address the needs of local residents, a military commandant’s office has been established in Sudzha.
Sudzha’s strategic location near a Russian gas terminal, which plays a crucial role in the supply of gas from Russia to Europe via Ukraine, has led to speculation that Kyiv’s objectives may include disrupting this important revenue source for Moscow. This theory aligns with the broader context of Ukraine’s military strategy, which aims to impact Russia’s economic and strategic interests.
The ground incursion by Ukrainian forces has had significant repercussions, including displacing tens of thousands of Russians and putting pressure on Russia as it seeks to counter Kyiv’s advances. The situation has escalated further with Ukrainian drones targeting four Russian airfields in what is described as the largest drone attack of the war. According to sources in Ukraine’s security services, the attack targeted airbases in the southwestern regions of Kursk and Voronezh, as well as Nizhny Novgorod, located east of Moscow.
In response, Russia’s defense ministry reported that it had destroyed 117 “aircraft-type” drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and neighboring areas. This exchange underscores the escalating intensity of the conflict, with Ukraine’s assault representing a significant shift in tactics. This incursion marks the first time foreign troops have entered Russian territory since World War II, further complicating the conflict’s dynamics.
Additionally, Russia has diverted reserves from key battlegrounds in Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea to respond to the Ukrainian advances. This strategic redeployment reflects the high stakes involved in the ongoing conflict and highlights the intense pressure facing Russian military forces.
Overall, the capture of Sudzha by Ukrainian forces and the subsequent military developments represent a major turning point in the conflict, illustrating the evolving nature of the war and the strategic maneuvers by both sides. As Ukraine continues to press its offensive, the implications for Russia’s military strategy and economic interests remain a critical focus for analysts and policymakers alike.
