Russia reinforces control over vital Ukrainian land; Trump suggests Russia holds responsibility for achieving peace
Thrashing over in Kursk: Russia recaptures largest town through a series of offensive operations
In a significant turn of events, the Russian military has reclaimed Sudzha, the largest town previously under Ukraine's control in the Kursk region, as per Moscow's statement. This singular move puts a dent in Kyiv's only territorial leverage in the ongoing negotiation process to bring an end to the war.
According to the Russian defense ministry, units from the North military group seized Melovoy, Podol, and Sudzha in their recent offensive operations, announced on Thursday. The US-based conflict monitor, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), corroborated this information, suggesting that Russian forces have taken Sudzha and advance towards southern Zaoleshenka, a settlement just northwest of the town.
Although Sudzha is a small town, home to about 5,000 people before Ukraine's incursion, it was one of the few populated areas under Ukraine's control. This recovery signifies a major symbolic triumph for Russia, marking a significant setback for Ukraine.
US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited Moscow on Thursday, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia is due for a briefing from American officials on a 30-day US-backed ceasefire covering the entire frontline. Peskov expressed confidence that all parts of the Kursk region held by Ukraine will soon be liberated.
Echoing this sentiment, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Kursk region on Wednesday, urging frontline troops to expel the remaining Ukrainian forces and even hinted at creating a "buffer zone" along Russia's border with Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers stationed in Kursk should be treated as "terrorists," Putin asserted during his visit, which appeared strategically planned to boost morale as Russian forces close in on the last pockets of Ukraine's holdouts within Russia.
Ukraine invaded the Kursk region in August, capturing territory, marking the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II. Their primary objectives were to obtain potentially swappable lands and divert Moscow's resources from the eastern frontlines in Ukraine.
However, Kyiv has had trouble maintaining its hold on the region, with its grip rapidly weakening in recent days. On Wednesday, Ukraine's top general Oleksandr Syrskyi hinted at further tactical retreats to "more favorable positions," stating his priority was to "save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers." Russia had reportedly carried out airstrikes on its own land, including the town of Sudzha, which was "almost completely destroyed," Syrskyi added.
Reacting to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Russians are trying to pressure Ukraine's troops. He noted that the military command is prioritizing minimizing casualties.
In response to the ceasefire proposal, Russia's top general Valery Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces have recaptured over 86% of the area taken by Ukraine and have around 430 Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners. He also indicated that the remaining Ukrainians in the region are besieged.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump stated that the ball is now in Putin's court as US representatives head to Russia for discussions. Trump expressed uncertainty about the possibility of a meeting with Putin, suggesting the outcome depends on Russia's actions.
This ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with tensions running high and stakes rising as each side strives to gain an advantage in this unforgiving game of war.
This story has been updated with the latest developments.
- The latest developments indicate that the ongoing conflict, previously limiting itself to parts of Europe, is now a concern for the world, as Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region, previously under Ukraine's control, has now come under Russian control after a series of airstrikes.
- The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, recently visited the Kursk region, briefing troops on the need to liberate the remaining pockets of Ukraine's holdouts, reaching as far north as earth's diverse continent, Europe.
- As the population of Sudzha and other captured territories are now under Russian rule, the global community eagerly observes to see if the ceasefire proposed by the US will have any significant impact on the strategy of both countries, particularly in North Europe.
