Zelensky Reveals Objective of Kursk Operation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine’s recent military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is intended to establish a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Moscow. This marks the first time Zelensky has explicitly stated the objective of the operation, which began on 6 August. Previously, the Ukrainian government had indicated that the operation aimed to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from continuous shelling.
Ukrainian Forces Achieve Notable Gains
In his Sunday address, Zelensky emphasized the importance of maximizing counteroffensive actions to destroy Russian war potential, including the creation of a buffer zone on Russian territory. Ukrainian forces have reportedly made significant advances in the Kursk region, driving deep into the territory with minimal resistance and capturing numerous villages and prisoners. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed that Ukrainian forces had advanced across 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of the region, although this has not been independently verified.
Strikes on Key Bridges Disrupt Russian Supply Routes
Ukraine has also targeted critical infrastructure in the Kursk region, with airstrikes destroying key bridges to disrupt Russian supply lines. On Sunday, Ukrainian forces struck a second key bridge near the town of Zvannoye, following a similar attack on a bridge in Glushkovo on Friday. Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk highlighted the continued efforts to undermine Russian logistical capabilities through precision airstrikes.
Russia Denies Impact on Indirect Talks with Ukraine
Despite reports that Ukraine’s attack on Kursk had derailed indirect talks with Russia on halting strikes on energy infrastructure, Moscow denied that any such negotiations were taking place. The Washington Post had reported that both countries were preparing to send delegations to Qatar for negotiations, but these talks were allegedly disrupted by Ukraine’s military action on Russian soil. In a similar move earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had justified an offensive in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region as an effort to create a buffer zone in response to Ukrainian shelling of Russia’s Belgorod region.