Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on August 19 that Ukrainian forces have gained control of 92 settlements and over 1,250 square kilometers of Kursk Oblast in Russia. This announcement marks a significant development in Ukraine’s ongoing operation in the region.
The operation, which began two weeks ago, has seen Ukrainian troops capture the town of Sudzha in Kursk Oblast. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed all three bridges over the Seim River near the border, a strategic move aimed at disrupting Russian logistics and movement.
The Kyiv Independent which reported the news has not been able to independently verify Zelensky’s claims regarding the number of settlements and territory controlled by Ukrainian forces. Nonetheless, Zelensky’s statements reflect the broader narrative of Ukraine’s intensified efforts in the region.
In a meeting held in Dnipro, Zelensky highlighted the ongoing operation’s significance, emphasizing that it represents a major investment in freeing Ukrainians from Russian control. He noted that this operation has resulted in capturing a large number of Russian soldiers, though he did not provide specific figures.
Ukraine has yet to disclose the total number of Russian prisoners taken during the Kursk incursion. Zelensky mentioned that “hundreds” of Russian soldiers had been captured as of August 13. Meanwhile, an unnamed Ukrainian colonel estimated that the number could be as high as 2,000. This discrepancy in figures underscores the difficulty in verifying such claims amid the ongoing conflict.
The operation also aims to clear Russian soldiers from the border area near Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, which Zelensky described as a key tactical objective. The removal of Russian forces from this area is intended to enhance Ukraine’s strategic position and reduce the threat from the Russian side.