Russia bolsters Kursk defenses as Ukraine holds ground
Russia has shifted large forces, numbering about 50,000 soldiers, to the Kursk region, reported General Oleksandr Syrsky, the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in a national television broadcast. Ukrainian forces entered the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
11:36 AM EDT, October 11, 2024
According to information provided by "Kyiv Independent," the latest reports on the presence of Russian troops in this area came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On September 19, he indicated that approximately 40,000 enemy soldiers were stationed in the Kursk region. It is now estimated that this number has significantly increased.
Ukrainian troops have maintained their positions in Russian territory for over two months. However, as assessed by the "DeepState" war mapping project, Russian military forces have achieved some successes on the left flank of the front. This might hinder further progress of Ukrainians in this region, particularly around the village of Novoyvanivka, where the Russians are attempting to strengthen their positions and prepare for further offensive operations.
Meanwhile, officials from the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden have suggested that due to the continuous support of arms supplies and the concentration of Russian forces in the eastern part of Ukraine, the Ukrainian army may be able to maintain its positions in the Kursk region for an extended period. This information was conveyed by Bloomberg.
Ukrainian offensive in Russia
On August 6, Ukrainians initiated a powerful mechanized strike that broke through Russian fortifications along the Ukrainian-Russian border. This action led to the rapid capture of 400 square miles of territory.
At the end of August, General Syrsky reported that Ukrainian forces currently control 500 square miles of territory and approximately 100 localities in the Kursk region.
