Russia shifts 30,000 troops to Kursk, and Ukraine's defense intensifies

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, informed the audience during his online address at the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum in Kyiv that Russia has already redirected approximately 30,000 soldiers from Ukraine towards the Kursk area, and this number continues to grow.

"Of course, the Kursk operation has led to the redirection of a significant number of enemy forces. At this moment, we can state that about 30,000 Russian soldiers have already been directed towards the Kursk direction. This number continues to grow," noted General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

One of the main objectives of the offensive operation in the Kursk area was to divert significant enemy forces from other regions, especially from the Pokrovsk and Kurakhiv areas. General Syrskyi emphasized: "We are currently advancing, inflicting measurable losses on Russian troops in both personnel and equipment. So far, we have gained control over 1,300 sq. km of territory. There are 100 localities within it."

The General also informed that the situation in the Pokrovsk area is very difficult. In recent weeks, there have been more than 50 armed clashes daily. Russian troops are using their advantage in manpower, weaponry, and military equipment and are actively using artillery, aviation, and armoured vehicles to conduct offensive actions, primarily by infantry assault groups.

"The situation in the Pokrovsk direction is quite difficult. In recent weeks, there have been an average of more than 50 armed clashes each day. The enemy is using their advantage in manpower, weaponry, and military equipment, and are also actively using artillery, aviation, and armoured vehicles. Infantry assault groups mainly conduct offensive operations," stated the commander.

The enemy is attempting to take control of the Konstantinovka-Pokrovsk highway to disrupt the logistics of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. General Syrskyi emphasized that Ukrainian units are doing everything possible to stop the offensive.

"The Defense Forces are doing everything possible to stop the enemy's advance. Every day in this direction, our soldiers neutralize an average of 300 occupiers, and active work is being done on engineering equipment for our positions and defensive lines. Despite its complexity, the situation is under our control," highlighted the commander.

General Syrskyi also emphasized the importance of the Pokrovsk area as particularly significant for Ukrainian defence. "Every day, fierce battles are ongoing in this direction (Pokrovsk). It is a zone to which we are paying special attention. In this direction, we are also concentrating our main forces and resources," he stated.

So far, Ukrainian forces around Kursk have captured 594 Russian soldiers. Ukrainian resources for prisoner exchange have significantly increased. The enemy resists by moving units from other areas, which weakens those positions. "The enemy is trying to resist Ukrainian soldiers by relocating units from other directions, thereby weakening those positions," added the general.

Syrskyi also noted that the opponent is trying to build a "defensive ring around our offensive group and plans further counteroffensive actions." "Our further actions in this direction will depend on the development of the operational situation," the commander concluded.