Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that the ongoing military operation in Kursk, western Russia, is unfolding as expected, according to Kyiv’s plans. In a video address on Saturday, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian forces are not only solidifying their positions but are also expanding their area of influence within the region.
Despite this optimistic outlook from Ukraine’s leadership, the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) urged caution, stating on Sunday that it is “too early to assess the outcomes and operational significance” of the incursion. The think tank acknowledged that while the operation has already exerted operational and strategic pressures on Russian forces across the theater, the full impact of the offensive remains to be seen.
The ISW also noted that as the conflict progresses within Russia, these pressures are likely to intensify, potentially creating greater challenges for the Russian military and President Vladimir Putin.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied media reports suggesting that the Kursk incursion had led to a breakdown in indirect negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv over a ceasefire on attacks targeting their respective electricity and energy infrastructures.
As the situation in Kursk develops, both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to navigate the complexities of this escalating conflict, with global observers closely monitoring the outcomes of this critical phase in the war.
