Zelensky expresses that the "most extreme limit" has been surpassed.
Following unanticipated wins in Russian border regions by Ukrainian troops, President Zelenskyy is advocating for a second peace summit this year. Putin, however, displays resistance. Meanwhile, the U.S. reaffirms its backing.
As reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian forces now have control over over 1,250 square kilometers of enemy territory and 92 settlements in the Russian region of Kursk. This strategic move has reduced threats to the Ukrainian border region of Sumy.
This offensive marks the largest success in capturing Russian soldiers since the conflict's start, Zelenskyy stated. Russian soldiers will be exchanged for captured Ukrainians afterwards, according to the president's plan. At present, Russia has detained more Ukrainians than the other way around, as per observer estimates.
Zelenskyy: Unprecedented Offensive
Zelenskyy celebrates this offensive as a significant achievement. "The Russian border area adjacent to our Sumy region is largely free of Russian military presence now," Zelenskyy mentioned on social media. "Our defensive actions across the border and Putin's failure to safeguard his land strengthen our proactive defense, causing massive complications for the aggressor."
Just a few months ago, no one would have imagined such a development, Zelenskyy admitted. Critics dismissed even the idea of such actions as transgressing Russia's "reddest of red lines." Secret preparations were made due to this perception. However, the concept of such lines, which influenced some partners' analyses, has now crumbled, Zelenskyy explained. He also mentioned that the advance into Russia would not have been necessary if allies hadn't restricted the use of long-range weapons.
Putin Closes Doors to Negotiations
At a meeting with diplomats, Zelenskyy is now promoting a second peace summit this year. "I believe the inaugural summit was an extraordinary triumph for Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone who facilitated this summit to occur. We are now preparing for the second peace summit, and it must take place this year," Zelenskyy said. "We must work tirelessly to expand the support circle for the communique of the first summit."
However, President Putin refuses to negotiate with Ukraine after the counteroffensive, as the Kremlin declared. "The president has explicitly stated that after the attacks, that is, the invasion in the Kursk region began, there can be no negotiations," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explained on Russian state television during Putin's visit to Azerbaijan. Putin is expected to give an assessment of the situation soon, Lavrov announced. Allegations of negotiations between warring parties, mediated by intermediaries such as Qatar or Turkey, are mere rumors, Lavrov added.
U.S.: Support Remains Unchanged
U.S. Aid to Kyiv Unaltered by Ukrainian Counteroffensive in Kursk Region, Pentagon Says
The Pentagon stated that the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kursk region hasn't altered U.S. support for Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden has reiterated his commitment to backing and standing by Ukraine until it's necessary, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense. The nature of the aid has remained consistent, with priority given to military equipment.
Several Ukrainian regions reported drone attacks overnight, far from the frontlines. Air defense was activated in Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv regions, as well as nearby areas. Officials urged residents to seek shelter, but no damages have been reported as of now.
In light of the achievements in the Kursk region, President Zelenskyy has proposed a second peace summit with the European Union, emphasizing their crucial role in facilitating the first summit.
Given the successful counteroffensive, the European Union's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity remains paramount in fostering peace negotiations and maintaining stability in the region.
