Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refuted claims that Ukrainian forces are encircled in Russia’s Kursk region, despite recent Russian military gains in the area. On Saturday, Zelensky asserted, “There is no encirclement of our troops,” emphasizing that Ukrainian forces continue to operate effectively in specific sectors of the Kursk region.
This statement comes amid reports that Russian forces have recaptured the villages of Zaoleshenka and Rubanshchina, following the earlier takeover of the strategic town of Sudzha. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the region as a precondition for a potential ceasefire, a proposal supported by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Kremlin has reiterated this offer, cautioning that the window for Ukraine’s surrender is closing.
In response, Zelensky highlighted that Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region have compelled Russian troops to redeploy from other fronts. He also warned of a potential Russian offensive targeting Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, citing the accumulation of Russian forces along Ukraine’s eastern border.
These developments occur as international efforts to broker a ceasefire intensify. European and Commonwealth nations, including Britain, France, Canada, and Australia, are advancing towards an “operational phase” to support Ukraine in achieving a 30-day unconditional truce proposed by the United States. Discussions emphasize the necessity of robust military backing and monitoring mechanisms to ensure a durable peace agreement.
The situation in the Kursk region remains fluid, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged in ongoing operations. The international community continues to monitor these events closely, given their potential implications for regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape.
