Zelenskiy Calls Allied Support to Action as Ukraine Expands Military Operations in Russia's Kursk Region
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has asserted that Ukraine's recent military incursions into Russia's Kursk region challenge Kremlin threats of retaliation, which he contends are mere bluffs. In urging Ukraine's allies to relax restrictions on using military equipment against targets on Russian soil, Zelenskiy highlighted that Ukrainian forces have successfully taken control of over 1,250 square kilometers (approximately 483 square miles) and 92 settlements in Kursk.
Addressing Ukrainian diplomats, Zelenskiy stated that the outdated concept of so-called 'red lines' has disintegrated, emphasizing the necessity for bolder support from allies. "The world sees that everything in this war depends only on courage—our courage and the courage of our partners. We need brave decisions for Ukraine and courage in supporting Ukraine," he declared.
In a show of force, Ukraine has reportedly destroyed a third bridge over the Seym River in Kursk as part of its strategy to establish a military buffer zone within Russia.
Meanwhile, fighting remains fierce in Ukraine, particularly around the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russian troops have advanced to within approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city's outskirts, prompting local authorities to issue evacuation orders for civilians, many of whom fled with children and heavy luggage in hand. Despite approximately 53,000 residents remaining in Pokrovsk, many families have opted to leave immediately as the threat level escalates.
Ukrainian military leaders also stated that they are making every effort to defend the eastern city of Toretsk against ongoing Russian threats aimed at disrupting Ukrainian supply lines. Russia claims to have seized the nearby town of Zalizne, adding pressure to Ukraine's defensive strategies.
On the southern front, officials reported a decrease in Russian ground assaults compared to previous weeks, although Dmytro Lykhovii, spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria group of forces, did not attribute this decline directly to the incursions into the Kursk region. In the Zaporizhia region, calm has prevailed for three consecutive days, yet Russian aircraft continue to carry out bomb strikes against Ukrainian-occupied positions along the Dnipro river.
As calls for international support grow, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine amidst suggestions from Zelenskiy that British assistance has seen a slowdown in recent weeks.
On the ground in Russia, a significant fire has been reported at an oil facility in the Proletarsk area of the Rostov region, ignited by a Ukrainian drone strike. Russian social media has been abuzz with footage showing massive flames and explosions, resulting in the destruction of 11 storage tanks. According to the Rostov region governor, Vasily Golubev, 41 firefighters have required hospital treatment due to the incident.
Despite mounting military pressure from Ukraine, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Moscow is not currently open to peace talks, particularly in light of the recent military operations in Kursk. Ukraine maintains that any dialogue hinges on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory.
Related Sources: