Ukraine announced significant territorial gains in its ongoing offensive against Russian forces, claiming control over 1,150 square kilometers of land and 82 settlements, including the town of Sudzha, just eight kilometers from the Russian border. The Ukrainian military’s move marks the most extensive attack on Russian soil by a foreign army since World War II.
“We have taken control of 1,150 square kilometers of territory and 82 settlements,” said top military commander Oleksandr Syrsky.
The Ukrainian offensive, launched on August 6, comes after over two years of resistance against Russia‘s invasion, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the liberation of Sudzha and praised the army’s efforts, stating, “the completion of the liberation of the town of Sudzha from the Russian military.”
Russia’s response and displacement crisis
In response, Russia claimed to have recaptured a village in the Kursk border region and announced the deployment of additional forces to the Belgorod region to bolster defenses. Russia’s defense ministry reported the “completed destruction of the enemy and restored control of the settlement of Krupets.”
The conflict has led to a significant displacement crisis, with over 120,000 Russians fleeing or being evacuated from the border regions. Reports from Kursk indicate hundreds of evacuees seeking food and shelter, with many expressing fear and uncertainty about the ongoing conflict.
“I was very scared, very scared. Shells were flying from all sides,” said Nina Golinyaeva, an evacuee from Sudzha.
Impact on civilians
The offensive has had a devastating impact on civilians, with Russian authorities reporting at least 12 deaths and 121 injuries since the fighting began. In the Ukrainian city of Sumy, mourners gathered at an Orthodox church to pay their respects to six soldiers killed in the fighting. The air was heavy with incense as a choir sang hymns, and the sorrow of the loss was palpable.
“Our task is to pray for our heroic fighters and their families,” a priest told mourners, as pallbearers carried the coffins for burial.
Continued struggles in Donbas
Despite the advances on Russian territory, Ukrainian forces continue to face intense pressure on the eastern front, particularly in the Donbas region. Zelensky acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating that “most Russian attacks are taking place” in Donbas, where Ukrainian troops are focused on maintaining a defensive position.
Russian forces also claimed further gains in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing the village of Ivanivka, a critical location near the transport hub of Pokrovsk, which has been a longstanding target for Russia.
As the conflict escalates, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides bracing for continued hostilities in a war that shows no signs of abating.
“We have taken control of 1,150 square kilometers of territory and 82 settlements,” said top military commander Oleksandr Syrsky.
The Ukrainian offensive, launched on August 6, comes after over two years of resistance against Russia‘s invasion, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the liberation of Sudzha and praised the army’s efforts, stating, “the completion of the liberation of the town of Sudzha from the Russian military.”
Russia’s response and displacement crisis
In response, Russia claimed to have recaptured a village in the Kursk border region and announced the deployment of additional forces to the Belgorod region to bolster defenses. Russia’s defense ministry reported the “completed destruction of the enemy and restored control of the settlement of Krupets.”
The conflict has led to a significant displacement crisis, with over 120,000 Russians fleeing or being evacuated from the border regions. Reports from Kursk indicate hundreds of evacuees seeking food and shelter, with many expressing fear and uncertainty about the ongoing conflict.
“I was very scared, very scared. Shells were flying from all sides,” said Nina Golinyaeva, an evacuee from Sudzha.
Impact on civilians
The offensive has had a devastating impact on civilians, with Russian authorities reporting at least 12 deaths and 121 injuries since the fighting began. In the Ukrainian city of Sumy, mourners gathered at an Orthodox church to pay their respects to six soldiers killed in the fighting. The air was heavy with incense as a choir sang hymns, and the sorrow of the loss was palpable.
“Our task is to pray for our heroic fighters and their families,” a priest told mourners, as pallbearers carried the coffins for burial.
Continued struggles in Donbas
Despite the advances on Russian territory, Ukrainian forces continue to face intense pressure on the eastern front, particularly in the Donbas region. Zelensky acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating that “most Russian attacks are taking place” in Donbas, where Ukrainian troops are focused on maintaining a defensive position.
Russian forces also claimed further gains in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing the village of Ivanivka, a critical location near the transport hub of Pokrovsk, which has been a longstanding target for Russia.
As the conflict escalates, the situation on the ground remains fluid, with both sides bracing for continued hostilities in a war that shows no signs of abating.