Ukraine's Strategic Push into Kursk: A New Phase in the Conflict

Ukraine's forces made significant advances into Russia's Kursk region, establishing a buffer zone to shield its border from Russian hostilities. This unexpected move has shifted the dynamics of the 2022 conflict, with Kyiv's new positions complicating Russia's previously steady offensives.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces progressed deeper into Russia's Kursk region. Kyiv proclaimed the territory would act as a buffer to shield its borders from Russian assaults.

Last week's surprise advance unsettled Moscow, altering the atmosphere in a war where Russian troops, emboldened by gains since 2022, faced a new challenge. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held meetings with top officials to discuss the humanitarian crisis and the potential of setting up military administrations over an area Ukraine claims surpasses 1,000 sq km (390 sq miles).

"We are advancing further in Kursk," Zelenskiy stated on Telegram, "gaining one to two km in various areas daily, capturing over 100 Russian POWs." Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko noted the buffer zone aims to protect border communities from constant enemy fire.

(With inputs from agencies.)