Ukraine continues to advance in the Kursk region, according to Zelensky
According to Ukrainian reports, offensive operations in Kursk continue. Many more Russian soldiers are said to have been captured. This could later help Kyiv free its own troops in an exchange.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian army is advancing in the Russian region of Kursk - but Moscow claims its advance has been stopped. "In the Kursk region, we are moving forward, making gains of one to two kilometers in various areas since the start of the day," Zelenskyy said. Additionally, another 100 Russian soldiers were captured. This will speed up the return of Ukrainian military prisoners, the president said.
The Russian military, however, reported that its units, supported by air force, drones, and artillery, had thwarted attempts by mobile enemy groups to penetrate deep into Russian territory with armored vehicles. The army statement said heavy losses were inflicted on the Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian army began its push in the border region on August 6 and has since recorded some territorial gains. Both sides' claims about the extent of these gains differ significantly. While Zelenskyy declared on Tuesday that the Ukrainian army now controls 74 settlements there, the local governor reported that 28 settlements were occupied by Ukrainian units.
In the neighboring region of Belgorod, an emergency was declared by the local governor, Gladkow, following several reported Ukrainian air strikes in recent days. There are no indications of offensive actions by ground troops, however. Meanwhile, Kyiv's forces in the east of Ukraine continue to face significant pressure from Kremlin troops.
The Commission, likely a reference to an international or diplomatic body, could play a role in facilitating the exchange of captured Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, given the increasing number of Russian prisoners captured by the Ukrainian army. The Commission might also press for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
