On a daring and risky move, Ukrainian forces left a trail of destruction as they crossed into Russia and advanced into the town of Sudzha. The town was reported to be fully under Ukrainian control by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The aftermath of artillery fire can be seen in the damaged statue of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and the scorched and bullet-riddled administrative building in the central square. This incursion marks a significant event in the conflict that has lasted over two years.
The Russian military has struggled to effectively respond to the attack in the Kursk region, the largest intrusion of its kind since World War II. Sudzha, located just 10 kilometers from the border, is the most substantial town to be taken by Ukrainian troops since the operation began on August 6. Signs of Ukraine’s advance can be seen along the roads to Sudzha, with debris littering the grass and a direction sign peppered with bullet holes indicating Ukraine on one side and Russia on the other.
The incursion has resulted in the evacuation of over 120,000 civilians, according to Russian authorities, and the capture of at least 100 Russian soldiers by Kyiv. While a significant morale boost for Ukraine, it has not yet shifted Russia’s overall strategic advantage in the conflict. The long-term plans for the captured territories remain uncertain, with questions arising about ceasefire negotiations and potential occupation scenarios.
Ukrainian officials have voiced the aim of diverting Russian reserves from the main battlegrounds in eastern Ukraine through the Kursk offensive. President Zelenskyy has indicated plans to establish a command center in Sudzha for aid and military coordination, signaling a potential long-term presence in the region. The town’s strategic importance lies in its access to main roads for continued operations in Russia and control over a gas metering station crucial for gas flow to Central Europe.
In Sudzha, residents sought refuge in a school basement as the conflict unfolded, while Ukrainian forces continued their push further into Kursk. The fighting extended to towns like Korenevo, of similar size to Sudzha, which hold tactical significance in the ongoing operation. The incursion has drawn limited international response, with President Joe Biden mentioning he is kept informed of the developments.