Aug
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has publicly confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces have captured a substantial area of Russian territory. The president announced that the operation aimed to enhance security in Ukraine’s border regions.
Operation Details and Progress
During a Monday meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and other officials, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of Ukrainian forces, revealed that Ukrainian forces had seized approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) in Russia’s Kursk region. Syrskyi indicated that the operation was still ongoing and assured that the situation remained “under our control.” A Telegram video shared these details, highlighting the continued efforts to consolidate the newly acquired territory.
Strategic Importance and National Security
In a subsequent address to the nation later on Monday, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy elaborated on the strategic importance of the operation. He noted that the Ukrainian forces now control “areas from which the Russian military had been targeting our Sumy region.” Zelenskiy emphasized that the operation was crucial for Ukraine’s national security, aiming to liberate border areas from Russian military presence. Zelenskiy explicitly acknowledged the incursion into Russian territory for the first time, noting that it had been underway for about a week.
US, Qatar, and Egypt Push for New Cease-Fire Talks Amid Gaza Conflict
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Impact on Sumy Region and International Plea
Since June, Russia has conducted over 2,100 strikes on the Sumy region, according to Ukrainian President Zelenskiy. The president reiterated his call for Ukraine’s international partners to provide long-range weapons to help counter Russian aggression. Zelenskiy argued that such support could significantly hasten a just end to the conflict and protect thousands of Ukrainian lives from further Russian attacks.
In conclusion, Zelenskiy’s confirmation of the captured Russian territory marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. This move underscores the Ukrainian government’s focus on securing its borders. Additionally, it highlights the government’s efforts to seek international assistance to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
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