Russia shifts 30,000 troops to Kursk as Ukraine advances

Russia has already directed about 30,000 soldiers from Ukraine towards the Kursk direction, and this number continues to grow, informed General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during his online appearance at the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum in Kyiv.

"Of course, the Kursk operation has led to the redirection of a significant number of enemy forces. At this moment, we can state that about 30,000 Russian soldiers have already been directed towards the Kursk direction. This number continues to grow," noted General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

One of the main objectives of the offensive operation in the Kursk direction was to divert significant enemy forces from other areas, particularly from the Pokrovsk and Kurakhov directions. General Syrskyi emphasized: "We are currently advancing, inflicting measurable losses on Russian troops in both personnel and equipment. So far, we have gained control over 1,300 sq. km of territory. There are 100 localities within it."

The General also informed that the situation in the Pokrovsk direction is very difficult. In recent weeks, there have been an average of more than 50 armed clashes each day. Russian troops are utilizing their advantage in manpower, weaponry, and military equipment, and are actively using artillery, aviation, and armoured vehicles to conduct offensive operations mainly through infantry assault groups.

"The situation in the Pokrovsk direction is quite difficult. In recent weeks, there have been an average of more than 50 armed clashes each day. The enemy is using their advantage in manpower, weaponry, and military equipment, and are also actively using artillery, aviation, and armoured vehicles. Infantry assault groups mainly conduct offensive operations," the commander said.

The enemy is attempting to seize control of the Kostyantynivka-Pokrovsk highway to disrupt the logistics of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. General Syrskyi emphasized that Ukrainian units are doing everything possible to stop the advance.

"The Defense Forces are doing everything possible to stop the enemy's advance. Every day in this direction, our soldiers neutralize an average of 300 occupiers, and active work is being done on engineering equipment for our positions and defensive lines. Despite its complexity, the situation is under our control," the commander emphasized.

General Syrskyi also highlighted the significance of the Pokrovsk area as a particularly important area for Ukrainian defense. "Every day, fierce battles are ongoing in this direction (Pokrovsk). It is a zone to which we are paying special attention. In this direction, we are also concentrating our main forces and resources," he stated.

So far, Ukrainian forces around Kursk have captured 594 Russian soldiers. Ukrainian resources for prisoner exchange have significantly increased. The enemy is resisting by moving units from other directions, weakening their positions. "The enemy is trying to resist Ukrainian soldiers by relocating units from other directions, thereby weakening those positions," added the general.

Syrskyi also noted that the opponent is trying to build a "defensive ring around our offensive group and plans further counteroffensive actions." "Our further actions in this direction will depend on the development of the operational situation," the commander concluded.