Ukrainian Counteroffensive Seizes 1,263 Square Kilometers in Russia, Surpassing Russian Gains
Ukrainian Forces Make Significant Territorial Gains in the Kursk Invasion
In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian forces have seized 1,263 square kilometers of Russian territory in the Kursk region over the past two weeks, according to Ukrainian military estimates. This territorial gain surpasses Russia’s advancements in Ukraine since the beginning of the year, based on available data.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military, reported that Ukrainian forces have taken control of 93 settlements and advanced 28-35 kilometers deep into the Kursk region. The invasion, which began on August 6, saw rapid progress in its first week, capturing 1,000 square kilometers and 74 settlements. While the pace has slowed in the second week, Ukrainian forces continue to make steady advances.
The scale of Ukraine’s territorial gains in Kursk is particularly noteworthy when compared to Russia’s recent progress in Ukraine. As of August 11, Russian forces occupied 109,338 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. Since then, Russia has captured an additional 78 square kilometers, bringing their total gains for the year to 1,253 square kilometers – slightly less than Ukraine’s reported gains in Kursk.
This unexpected incursion into Russian territory has caught both Moscow and Kyiv’s international allies, including the United States, off guard. It marks the most significant foreign attack on Russian soil since World War II, prompting Moscow to redirect military units from operations in Ukraine to defend the Kursk region.
Ukrainian military sources have shared footage of airstrikes on key Russian bridges and control centers in Kursk, underlining the strategic nature of the operation. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the primary objective of this offensive is to create a “security zone” or buffer on Russian territory to prevent further attacks on Ukraine.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community watches closely, assessing the potential implications of this bold military maneuver on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
