President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine revealed that Ukrainian forces had anticipated Moscow’s counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, marking their first comments on the pushback after a cross-border incursion over a month ago. The Ukrainian troops made rapid initial gains in capturing an enclave of western Russian territory to divert Moscow’s forces from the eastern front. Despite stalling, the situation in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk remained tense as Russia’s main offensive operations continued. Zelensky affirmed the success of their Ukrainian plan in response to Russian counteroffensive actions during a news conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda.
Reports from Russian military bloggers and General Apti Alaudinov indicated a Russian army counteroffensive in Kursk, though independent verification is needed. The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted the use of experienced Russian troops in the region, raising questions about their effectiveness.
Zelensky also highlighted a buildup of forces at the Belarus border as fighting persisted on various fronts. Tragically, three Ukrainian ICRC workers were killed during the Russian onslaught in Donetsk.
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