Ukraine loses 40% of territory it controlled in Kursk region - Reuters
Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine lost more than 40% of the territory in the Kursk region it controlled during a surprise operation launched in August. This happened amid waves of counterattacks organized by Russian troops, reports Reuters.
“At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometres (531 square miles), now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks,” said a source in the Ukrainian General Staff.
He clarified that as of now, the Ukrainian Armed Forces hold about 800 square kilometers of Russian territory. He also clarified that this part of the Kursk region will be held as long as it is justified from a military point of view.
Reuters added that with the help of the Ukrainian Armed Forces operation in the Kursk region, Kyiv sought to stop Russian troops in eastern and northeastern Ukraine. In particular, to force Russia to withdraw its troops, which were gradually advancing in the east, and to give Kyiv additional leverage in any future peace talks.
Today, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin had set a task for his troops to recapture the Kursk region by January 20, 2025. That is, by the day of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
“For Putin, the most important thing is to push us out of the Kursk region. And all these stories, all these demonstrative strikes with new missiles are not just for show. He has set this task. I am sure he wants to push us out by January 20 next year,” the president said.
