Zelenskyy explains why Ukraine did not inform its partners about Kursk operation
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine's partners were unaware of the start of the Armed Forces operation in the Kursk region. This was a surprise to them, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in an interview with NBC News.
According to Zelenskyy, the Armed Forces' operation in the Kursk region is an integral part of his "victory plan." However, he will not disclose details about it, similar to how Ukraine did not inform its partners about the Kursk operation.
"I will not tell, I’m sorry, I can’t speak about it. It’s like the beginning of our, this, Kursk operation. With all respect, I can’t speak about it, I think the success is very close to surprise," Zelenskyy noted.
In his interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy stated that the Biden administration was unaware of this operation, and it was kept strictly confidential even within Ukraine.
"Yes, we did not inform anyone. And it’s not the question of lack of trust," Zelenskyy said.
He also added that Kyiv's counteroffensive last summer failed in part because it was heavily publicized, giving the Russian forces time to prepare.
Ukrainian Armed Forces operation
Since early August, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been conducting an operation in the Kursk region. According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, as of August 27, they have gained control over 1,300 square kilometers and 100 settlements. Additionally, about 600 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
An RBC-Ukraine source in the military-political leadership reported that occupying forces received orders from Putin to liberate the Kursk region by October 1. However, their task is to achieve this without reallocating forces from key areas where Russia is advancing in Donbas.
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen stated that Russia might attempt a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, but it would be a challenging fight for Russia.
