Ukrainian forces have reportedly made significant advances into the Kursk region, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announcing the capture of Suja, the administrative center of the area. This development marks a notable achievement for Ukraine, as Suja, with a population of approximately 5,000, is the largest settlement to come under Ukrainian control since recent military operations began.
In a video address, Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukrainian troops now control over 80 communities, including Suja. General Sirsky, the commander of the Ukrainian army, confirmed the successful liberation of the town from Russian forces and indicated that a military commandant's office would be established there.
While these claims from Ukraine have not been independently verified, they represent a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. However, Russian defense officials have stated that their forces successfully blocked Ukrainian attempts to capture several other nearby communities, suggesting ongoing resistance in the region.
In a separate legal development, a Russian court sentenced American citizen Ksenia Kavana to twelve years in prison, although details surrounding her case remain unclear.