Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly admitted to Ukraine’s invasion of Russia’s Kursk region during a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters. This marked the first time Zelensky spoke about the actions of the Ukrainian army in the Russian region. The Armed Forces of Ukraine invaded the Sudzha district of the Kursk region on August 6, leading to casualties on both sides.
Photo: president.gov.ua by PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY Official website, CC BY 4.0
Ukraine Seeks Permission to Strike Deep into Russia
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had a discussion with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu about lifting the ban on hitting military targets in Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron previously allowed Ukraine to neutralize specific military facilities but prohibited strikes on civilian targets.
Plan to Exchange Captured Land
Ukrainian fighters hope to gain advantageous negotiating positions by capturing Russian territory in the Kursk region, with the idea of exchanging it for Ukrainian-held land in talks with Moscow. The operation aims to distract Russian forces from other areas of conflict.