Ukrainian troops have made gains in Russia's Kursk region, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He revealed this development in a video message without providing specific details. This expansion comes just a week after Ukrainian troops first set foot in Russia. The advancement has halted Russia's plans to intensify attacks on the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. However, the pressure in Donetsk remains high, with Russian troops advancing in the Pokrovsk area, according to military analysts.
Zelenskyy acknowledged the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops in Donetsk, particularly in Pokrovsk. He emphasized the resilience of Ukrainian forces and their capacity to counter the occupier in the region. Meanwhile, Russian forces are aiming to conquer Pokrovsk due to its strategic importance as a railway intersection, with the ultimate goal of taking control over the entire Donetsk region.
The situation in Pokrovsk is critical, with around 38,000 people, including 1,900 children, still residing in the city. Authorities have advised inhabitants to evacuate as Russian forces push forward. Banks in Pokrovsk have been closed, with only ATMs operational starting from Monday.
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian oil and gas facilities in Kursk as part of the counteroffensive efforts. These strikes have significantly affected Russian forces in the Pokrovsk direction, limiting their access to roads and hindering rotations and resupply operations. As a result, Russian forces have suffered significant personnel losses in the area.
Russia has reclaimed 64% of the Kursk region territory initially captured by Ukrainian forces, with over 800 square kilometers liberated. This retake has not directly influenced the fighting in Donetsk but has contributed to the overall intensity of the conflict. Ukrainian forces are focusing on slowing down the Russian advance in strategic locations to prevent further encroachment into Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict in Donetsk poses significant challenges for Ukrainian troops, despite Zelenskyy's mention of an increase in Russian prisoners of war. The intense fighting in Donetsk and Pokrovsk, a region of strategic importance for Russia, demonstrates the continued hostilities in this war.
