Ukraine forces continuing to advance into Russian territory, says Zelenskiy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukrainian forces are making significant advances into Russian territory following their recent surprise offensive. Kyiv reported launching a substantial drone attack targeting four Russian airbases. Zelenskiy stated that Ukrainian troops had pushed several kilometers into Russia, marking the most significant attack on Russian soil since World War II. Additionally, Ukraine claimed to have downed a Russian Su-34 jet in the Kursk region, where they also reported capturing 100 Russian prisoners.

Russia confirmed some of these drone strike claims, stating that they had intercepted 117 incoming Ukrainian drones overnight. The targeted airbases included Voronezh, Kursk, Savasleyka, and Borisoglebsk, which are used by Russian warplanes for glide bomb attacks on Ukraine.

Previously, Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine controlled 74 Russian settlements, although it was unclear if this meant full occupation by Ukrainian forces.

In his nightly address on Tuesday, Zelenskiy urged Ukrainians to maintain the unity and efficiency shown in the early weeks of the war. “We have once again demonstrated our capability to achieve our goals and defend our interests and independence,” he said.

On Wednesday, Ukrainian state television broadcast footage of Ukrainian troops removing a Russian flag from a building in Sudzha, Kursk region. The report also showed damaged Russian military columns and Ukrainian soldiers providing humanitarian aid.

Pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka noted that while the situation remains challenging, Russia is gradually increasing its presence in the Kursk region.

During the ongoing cross-border incursion, which has now lasted for nearly two weeks, Ukraine has attacked several border areas. Russia is struggling to respond, having redirected troops from the eastern Donbas region to counter the Ukrainian advance.

On Wednesday, heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces prompted the Belgorod border region to declare a state of emergency, joining Kursk. Belgorod’s governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, described the situation as “extremely difficult and tense,” reporting damage to homes and civilian casualties. Efforts are underway to evacuate about 5,000 children to safer locations.

Ukrainian officials have stated that their objective is to prevent Russian missile attacks rather than to occupy Russian territory. Analysts suggest that Ukraine targeted the Kursk region due to its vulnerable command and control structure.

Retired US Vice Admiral Robert Murrett commented that the situation remains fluid, with the next few days being crucial for both sides. The surprise offensive, which began on August 6, has reportedly involved up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops, along with armor and artillery. The operation seems designed not only to draw Russian forces away from eastern Ukraine but also to disrupt Russian supply lines, easing pressure on areas where Russia had made progress.

Moscow faces a dilemma: whether to redeploy troops from the eastern front, where a breakthrough is a primary goal, to defend Kursk and contain the incursion.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War believes the incursion is unlikely to shift the war's dynamics significantly, noting that Russian authorities are reluctant to withdraw units from Donetsk. Instead, Russia is deploying limited irregular forces to Kursk, including the Russian Volunteer Corps and a drone unit linked to a biker gang.

US President Joe Biden remarked that the situation is creating a significant dilemma for Vladimir Putin. The offensive has embarrassed the Kremlin and led to the evacuation of over 100,000 Russian civilians. The White House confirmed that Ukraine did not notify the US in advance of the operation, though Russian officials have speculated that Ukraine's Western backers might have known about it.

A resident of Belgorod told the Associated Press that Ukrainian shelling had been intense for about ten days, with a noticeable decrease in public support for the war following the attacks. Putin has suggested that Ukraine, with Western support, aims to improve its negotiating position ahead of potential peace talks and to slow Russian advances.