Ukraine's army chief highlights importance of Kursk operation
Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi (Getty Images)
Russian forces wanted to turn the Sumy region into a sanitary zone. Therefore, the Defense Forces launched an offensive in the Kursk region, according to the Telegram channel of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
"Last year, the enemy intended to turn this region into a sanitary zone and planned to advance on Kharkiv and Sumy. That’s why we acted preemptively and carried out our own offensive operation, shifting the fighting to enemy territory in the Kursk region. We disrupted the enemy’s plans," he said.
According to Syrskyi, the Defense Forces have established their own security zone on Russian territory along the Ukrainian border, holding about 500 square kilometers and forcing the Russian forces to relocate their most combat-ready units from other directions.
"During my work at the headquarters, I was able to thoroughly analyze the operational situation in the area, and address problematic issues, including the needs of units in personnel, equipment, and ammunition," he stated.
The general listened to the proposals of commanders on the ground and made the necessary decisions to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with essential logistical resources, enhance resilience, and improve the effectiveness of defense.
Ukrainian Armed Forces operation in the Kursk region
For six months, Ukrainian troops have been conducting an offensive in the Kursk region. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly hinted at the role of the Kursk region in negotiations with Russia.
Ukraine may propose a territorial exchange with Russia, specifically offering part of the Kursk region in exchange for Ukrainian territory currently under occupation.
