During a visit to Moldova, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz mentioned that Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast is expected to be short-lived. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that Ukraine has made significant advancements into Russian territory, capturing over 1,200 square kilometers and 93 settlements.
Scholz noted that Ukraine’s operation was prepared discreetly without sharing details with allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed that if Ukraine had access to Western-supplied long-range weapons, the incursion into Kursk Oblast might not have been necessary.
Despite initial opposition, Germany has allowed the use of German-supplied equipment in Ukraine’s operation. However, Scholz did not confirm if Berlin-supplied weapons were involved.
The goal of the incursion is to protect Ukrainian lives by preventing cross-border attacks and deterring Russian reinforcements. Zelensky emphasized the establishment of a buffer zone in Kursk Oblast to counter Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s ‘buffer zone’ in Kursk Oblast – here’s what you need to know
Ukraine aims to establish a buffer zone in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 18, as he outlined some of the strategic aims of the ongoing operation. “It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and