Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his evening statement, emphasized the importance of the Kursk operation in deterring Russian troops from active actions on Ukrainian territory
According to him, currently a significant number of hostile forces are focused on maintaining positions within Russia, which has a strategic deterrent significance for Ukraine and its defense. In his briefing, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Commander of the Joint Forces General Serhii Syrskyi outlined the tense situation on the front lines in detail. Zelenskyy stressed that the situation in the combat zone remains difficult and unpredictable, noting an increase in Russian military activity in several key directions. He paid particular attention to the Pokrovsk, Lyman, and Kupiansk directions, where Ukrainian troops are facing intensified Russian attacks, and fighting continues with heightened tension. The head of state emphasized that the Kursk operation is a fundamental component of Ukraine’s internal defense, as it forces the Russians to spend resources and efforts on holding their positions inside Russia. Zelenskyy stated that this strategy aims to exhaust and weaken the enemy. The likely goal of this approach is to compel Russia to utilize its mobilization reserves and forces in the war, which, according to Ukrainian leadership, should ultimately go beyond temporary positions and transition into a more active phase on Russian territory. Additionally, it is worth noting that at the end of last week, the analytical project DeepState reported Russian military advances near the village of Oleksandriya in Sumy region. This prompted concern among experts and military officials, as shifting enemy positions in this region may indicate intensified offensive actions on their part, as well as a potential expansion of the front line. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian side is striving to keep the situation under control and has all necessary forces ready to prevent further escalation. According to Zelenskyy, the active defense strategy, based on comprehensive measures—including the Kursk operation—is aimed at reducing the enemy’s ability to conduct active fighting on Ukrainian lands and rendering it combat-ineffective. The President emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to regain control over the entire territory, ensure the security of Ukrainians, and pursue a struggle that can lead to a just peace. He stressed that Ukraine will not retreat and will continue to defend its land using all available strategic and tactical means. Analysts and military experts note that the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities and the systematic employment of strategic deterrence operations are allowing the situation to be kept under control, weakening Russian positions and depleting their potential. At the same time, the situation remains tense and requires constant attention and swift reactions to any changes on the battlefield.