(TheIndependentStar.com) – In an utter shock for Putin’s Russia, its victim over the past 2.5 years, Ukraine, a US ally, has not invaded back one of the Russian regions in retaliation but is also solidifying and expanding its foothold on Moscow’s soil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky articulated that the nation is fortifying its position in the Russia’s Kursk region, about 300 miles away from Moscow, where a military operation is underway to establish a buffer zone to mitigate future Russian assaults.
“And all this is more than just defense for Ukraine; it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions,” he declared in a video address on Sunday.
“This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory — our operation in the Kursk region,” the Ukrainian president added.
These statements represent the first explicit acknowledgment by Zelensky of the strategic objectives of the campaign, which commenced on August 6 with a sudden incursion by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s western Kursk region.
The operation has since persisted, prompting a crisis in the area adjacent to Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy province.
In another video message on Saturday, Zelensky described the unfolding situation in the Kursk region as aligning with expectations.
“The bravery of Ukrainians is achieving great things. Now we are reinforcing our positions. The foothold of our presence is getting stronger,” he noted, according to a translation provided by his office cited by The Hill.
This commentary follows recent military actions where Ukraine managed to destroy a vital bridge and damage another in the vicinity, activities confirmed by both Ukraine’s Air Force Chief, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, and the Russian regional Governor, Alexei Smirnov, as reported by The Associated Press (AP).
Additionally, pro-Kremlin military bloggers have expressed concerns that the destruction of the first bridge over the Seym River near Glushkovo will interfere with logistical support to Russian forces.
On Sunday, Zelensky highlighted the strategic gains made.
“Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army, the Russian state, their military-industrial complex, and their economy helps prevent the war from expanding and brings us closer to a just end to this aggression — a just peace for Ukraine,” he emphasized.
Last week, Zelensky announced the capture of Sudzha, a pivotal town in the Kursk region, and the establishment of a commandant’s office there.
Despite concerted efforts, Russia has faced challenges in halting the Ukrainian advance.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin, responding to the situation, has conducted security meetings and directed border guards and military forces to counteract the Ukrainian offensive.
He described the incursion as a “major provocation,” raising concerns about potential escalations in the conflict with Ukraine or potentially involving the US, Ukraine’s principal ally.
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