In a surprise assault two weeks ago, Kyiv claims to have seized over 440 square miles of Russian territory, still advancing their forces in the conflict. This move has caught Russia off guard after focusing on the eastern front for months, with the latest development being the capture of another settlement in Donetsk. President Zelenskyy revealed that the main goal of the operation is to destroy Russian military potential and initiate a counteroffensive. This aim includes creating a buffer zone on Russian territory to prevent attacks on Ukrainian towns and villages across the border.
Russian President Putin, facing growing questions over his response to the crisis, is visiting Azerbaijan for strategic partnership talks in an effort to project stability. Prior to the surprise offensive, the Kremlin had been pushing for peace talks while holding the battlefield initiative. However, due to Kyiv’s move in Kursk, negotiations are ruled out for the time being as Russia sees it as a “gamble”. Moscow has denied reports that the Kursk attack has disrupted talks for a deal to halt strikes on critical infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy’s operation in Kursk is seen as a strategic move to not only weaken Russian military capabilities but also to establish a buffer zone to protect Ukrainian territory. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides taking unexpected actions that have shifted the dynamics of the war.
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