MOSCOW, March 13 – Russian officials have declared that their military is on the verge of reclaiming full control over the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops have held a strategic position for more than seven months. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its forces are conducting relentless assaults on Ukrainian positions and have recently taken control of three additional settlements, including Sudzha, a key town near the border.
Located along a critical supply route used by Ukraine, Sudzha has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict. Russian forces claim to have disrupted Kyiv’s resupply efforts, intensifying their offensive to eliminate remaining resistance. Despite these advances, Ukraine’s military leadership insists that its forces will continue operating in Kursk as long as necessary.
Escalation in Kursk: A Determined Offensive
Russian war correspondents on the ground report that Sudzha remains under heavy Ukrainian shelling, though Russian troops assert they have largely suppressed resistance in the town. Footage from the region depicts widespread devastation, with burnt-out military vehicles, destroyed buildings, and streets littered with rubble.
Ukraine’s bold offensive into Kursk on August 6 of last year shocked military analysts, as Kyiv’s forces crossed the border and seized a portion of Russian territory. Ukrainian officials had hoped to use their territorial gains as leverage in future negotiations, but Moscow has steadily regained ground over the past few months. With the support of allied forces, including troops from North Korea, Russia now appears to be making a decisive push to retake the last remaining Ukrainian-held positions.
Putin’s Direct Involvement and Kremlin’s Stance
President Vladimir Putin personally visited Kursk on Wednesday, donning military fatigues as he met with top commanders. He ordered them to expedite the operation, underscoring the importance of swiftly securing the region. Putin’s visit sends a clear message that the Russian leadership views the retaking of Kursk as a priority.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed that while Russian forces aim to complete the operation quickly, they will take the necessary time to minimize casualties. “The mission will be carried out with the utmost consideration for our soldiers and civilians. However, there is no doubt that Kursk will soon be fully under Russian control,” Peskov stated.
A Struggle for Strategic Ground
For months, the fighting in Kursk has been intense, with both sides pouring significant resources into the battle. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated resilience, managing to hold on to parts of the region despite Russia’s relentless offensive. However, Moscow’s military, bolstered by additional reinforcements, has systematically reclaimed lost territory.
The recapture of Kursk would mark a significant victory for Russia in the ongoing war. The region’s proximity to the border makes it a crucial area for supply routes and strategic positioning. Losing this foothold would be a major setback for Ukraine, potentially weakening its negotiating position in any future peace discussions.
Humanitarian Impact and Civilian Evacuations
The prolonged battle has had severe consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire. According to regional officials, over 120 Russian civilians have been rescued and evacuated from Sudzha as fighting intensified. Many homes have been reduced to rubble, and essential infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, leaving the local population in dire conditions.
As Russian forces push forward, Ukrainian troops face mounting pressure to maintain their positions. While Kyiv insists it will continue operations in Kursk, the steady advance of Russian forces suggests that Moscow may soon achieve its objective of fully reclaiming the region.
With the war now in its third year, Kursk has become yet another battleground where both sides are fighting fiercely for control. As the conflict unfolds, the outcome of this struggle may shape the course of future negotiations and military strategies.