Ukraine Advances in Russia's Kursk Region Amid Strategic Push

Ukraine's forces have made significant gains in Russia's Kursk region, creating a buffer zone to protect against Russian attacks. President Zelenskiy discussed establishing military administrations and urged the West to allow long-range strikes. Russia vows to expel Ukrainian troops, leading to intensified battles and evacuations.

Ukraine's forces have pushed further into Russia's Kursk region, a strategic move aimed at creating a buffer zone to defend against Russian attacks. The unexpected advance has taken Moscow by surprise, with Kyiv now controlling areas up to two kilometers deep in various sectors of the region.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with top officials to discuss humanitarian strategies and the possibility of setting up military administrations in occupied areas exceeding 1,000 square kilometers. He highlighted the increasing number of Russian prisoners of war that could be used for exchanges, bolstering Ukraine's negotiation leverage.

Amid ongoing conflicts, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko emphasized the buffer zone's purpose to shield border communities from daily assaults. Concurrently, Zelenskiy appealed to Western allies for permission to conduct long-range missile strikes, a move Russia condemns, citing their resolve to expel Ukrainian forces. Intense battles and evacuations continue, with both sides preparing for further escalations.

(With inputs from agencies.)