Zelensky declares Ukraine's reinforcement of stances in the Kursk region, which belongs to Russia.
Ukrainian forces initiated a sudden assault in Kursk region on August 6th. As per Army Chief Syrsky's statement, approximately 1000 square kilometers and 82 settlements have been seized so far, including the tactically important city of Sudja, which is approximately 10 kilometers beyond Russian territory borders. This city is crucial as it hosts a significant gas hub belonging to Russian company Gazprom, instrumental in transporting Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine.
Information from Kyiv implies that this offensive's primary objective, besides other reasons, is to compel Russia to engage in "fair negotiations" given the ongoing Russian conflict in Ukraine. The acquired territories can act as leverage during any future negotiations. This is the biggest cross-border attack by Ukraine since the commencement of the Russian invasion and the first such action by an external army on Russian territory since World War II.
The European Union expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict in the Kursk region, given its reliance on Russian gas transported through Ukraine. The European Union has urged both Ukraine and Russia to engage in peaceful negotiations to resolve their disputes.
