100 Russian soldiers captured as Ukraine’s troops advance in Kursk: Zelenskyy

As per a report by Reuters, in a video posted on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was seen being briefed by his top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, via video link. “Since the start of the day, we have advanced 1-2 kilometres in various parts of Kursk. More than 100 Russian prisoners of war have been taken in the same period,” Syrskyi was quoted as saying by Associated press.

Kyiv executed a surprise operation by deploying thousands of troops into the western Russian region of Kursk on August 6, has sent shockwaves through the Kremlin. This move has resulted in Ukraine’s most significant battlefield gains since 2022, following a period of setbacks.

Later, Zelenskyy took to X and stated, “We continue to advance further in Kursk region. From one to two kilometres in various areas since the start of the day. And more than 100 Russian prisoners of war in the same period.”

“We are not forgetting our eastern front for a second. I have instructed the commander-in-chief to strengthen this direction using the equipment and supplies currently provided by our partners,” he noted.

Morning report by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the situation across all major directions, particularly in the Toretsk and Pokrovsk areas, as well as the operation in the Kursk region.

We are not forgetting our eastern front for a second. I have instructed the… pic.twitter.com/5RE6EgLFn8

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 14, 2024

Zelenskyy added that these prisoners would be used in exchanges for Ukrainian POWs. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported that the Russian Su-34 jet bomber, a key asset in Russia’s aerial assault, was destroyed by Ukrainian forces.

Kyiv claims to have taken control of over 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles) of territory so far. As per Reuters, Syrskyi confirmed that the Russian border town of Sudzha is now fully under Ukrainian control, stating, “The search and destruction of the enemy in the settlement of Sudzha has been completed.”

However, a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday that Kyiv has no intention of occupying the Russian territory it claims to hold. The primary objective, he explained, is to prevent Russia from launching missiles into Ukraine from Kursk.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Belgorod border region declared a regional emergency on Wednesday due to heavy Ukrainian shelling. This follows a federal emergency declaration in Kursk last Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised a “worthy response” to Ukraine and accused Kyiv’s “Western masters” of aiding Ukraine.

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov described the situation as “extremely difficult and tense,” noting that the attacks have destroyed homes, caused civilian casualties, and deeply unsettled local residents.

While, US President Joe Biden commented on Tuesday that the developments in Russia are “creating a real dilemma” for Putin. Biden chose not to provide further details on the top-secret operation until it concludes.