Russia establishes buffer zone as tensions rise on Kursk front
Russian forces continue to establish a security zone on the border of the Kursk and Sumy regions. Russia announced the defeat of Ukrainian units in the area.
Some information provided by Russian state media or Kremlin officials may be untrue. Such reports may be elements of an information war from the Russian Federation.
What do you need to know?
- The Russian Ministry of Defence 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 establish a security zone on the border of the Kursk and Sumy regions. These actions are in line with Vladimir Putin's earlier declarations about establishing a buffer zone.
- North Korea admitted to sending its troops to support Russia. The soldiers are supposed to help 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. It was reported 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.
These are actions previously announced by Vladimir Putin. They aim 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 admitted that it sent its troops to help Russian forces reclaim the part of the region taken by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian forces, unexpectedly for Russia, entered the Kursk region on 6 August 2024, at around 7:00 PM Greenwich Time. One of the goals of this offensive was to force Russia to redeploy some forces from the occupied Donbas.
