Zelenskyy on Kursk operation: Russia launched counteroffensive, in line with our plan
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russia has initiated counteroffensive actions in the Kursk region, but these developments are occurring in line with Ukrainian strategies, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
“The Russians have launched a counteroffensive. Everything is going on, but it is going on according to our, Ukrainian, plan,” the president said when asked about the current situation in the Kursk region.
In response to reports about the buildup of Belarusian forces near the Ukrainian border, Zelenskyy said, "Regarding Belarus, we've observed the buildup for some time now. We are monitoring the situation closely."
Ukrainian military operation in Kursk region
For over a month, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been conducting operations in the Kursk region. As of August 27, approximately 1,300 square kilometers and nearly 100 settlements have been under Ukrainian control. More than 600 Russian soldiers have been captured.
A military command center, led by Major General Eduard Moskalev, has been established in the region. According to the Ukrainian Ground Forces, this command ensures the enforcement of international humanitarian law in the Kursk region and assists local residents.
RBC-Ukraine sources say that Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed military and political leaders to retake territories in the Kursk region by October 1. However, this must be achieved without redeploying forces from key areas where Russia is currently advancing in Ukraine.
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen said that while Russia might attempt a counteroffensive in the Kursk region, the battles ahead would be difficult for the Russian forces.
For more details on the current situation in the Kursk region and the potential for a Russian counteroffensive, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
