Russia claims control in Kursk as tensions escalate with Ukraine
Russian forces continue to establish a security zone along the border of the Kursk and Sumy regions. Russia has announced the defeat of Ukrainian units in this area.
Some information provided by Russian state media or Kremlin officials may be untrue. These reports could be elements of an information war from the Russian Federation.
What do you need to know?
- The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Ukrainian units in the Kursk region have been defeated. Russia claims to have taken control of the town of Gornal, the last one held by Ukraine in this region.
- Russia continues to create a security zone on the border of the Kursk and Sumy regions. These actions align with earlier declarations by Vladimir Putin about establishing a buffer zone.
- North Korea admitted to sending its troops to support Russia. The soldiers are reportedly helping to regain control over the region occupied by Ukrainian forces.
What are Russia's goals on the border with Ukraine?
The Russian Ministry of Defence issued a statement, informing that Russian troops defeated Ukrainian units in the Kursk region. "Russian forces continue creating a 'security belt' in the border areas of Ukraine's Sumy region," the statement added.
Vladimir Putin previously announced these efforts, aiming to secure the border and create a buffer zone.
What are the reactions of Ukraine and other countries?
Ukraine ensures its units remain in the Kursk region and continue to fight. Meanwhile, North Korea has admitted to sending troops to assist Russian forces in reclaiming parts of the area taken by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces, unexpectedly for Russia, entered the Kursk region on August 6, 2024, at around 2:00 PM Eastern Time. One objective of this offensive was to compel Russia to redeploy some forces from the occupied Donbas.
