Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday, August 15, that Ukrainian forces have seized full control of Sudzha, the administrative center of Kursk, and have set up a military headquarters there.
Sudzha, a key administrative hub in Russia’s Kursk region, represents the largest Russian town to come under Ukrainian control since the beginning of their cross-border operation more than a week ago.
Zelensky’s establishment of a military command office in Sudzha indicates that Ukraine may intend to maintain a long-term presence in the Kursk region.
He also announced plans to distribute humanitarian aid to the residents of Sudzha who are in need.
This unexpected Ukrainian incursion has significantly altered the dynamics of the conflict, causing turmoil in the Kursk region. Russian authorities report the evacuation of over 120,000 civilians, while Kyiv claims the capture of at least 100 Russian troops. Zelensky has stated that one of the goals of the incursion was to safeguard neighboring Ukrainian regions.
“The more Russian military presence is dismantled in the border regions, the closer we will be to achieving peace and real security for our state. The Russian government must be held accountable for its actions,” Zelensky said on Tuesday.
While Russia has experienced previous incursions, the Kursk operation is notable for its scale, speed, and the involvement of experienced Ukrainian brigades. Western military analysts estimate that up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops are engaged in the operation.
This marks the first instance of foreign troops occupying Russian territory since Nazi Germany during World War II.
Russian military bloggers have reported that reinforcements sent to Kursk have slowed Ukrainian advances. However, there is speculation that the incursion could compel Moscow to redeploy troops from eastern Ukraine, where they have made incremental progress this year.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed on Thursday that Russia has redeployed some forces, including infantry units, from Ukraine to Kursk, though the exact number of troops involved remains unclear.
As of Thursday, the Ukrainian military claims control over more than 80 towns and settlements in the Kursk region.
Russian military bloggers have noted ongoing Ukrainian probes into Russian defenses. Satellite images on Thursday revealed that a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian airbases damaged at least two hangars and other structures.
In response, Kursk’s acting Governor Alexei Smirnov has ordered the evacuation of the Glushkovo region, located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Sudzha, indicating a potential Ukrainian advance towards the area.
