Ukraine Controls 1,000 sq km of Russia's Kursk Region Amid Intensifying Cross-Border Conflict

Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, has claimed control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russia's Kursk region. This marks a significant development and the first public statement from Ukraine's top commander since the commencement of Ukraine's largest cross-border attack in almost two and a half years of full-scale war.

Despite Russia's ongoing efforts, they are still struggling to push back the Ukrainian forces, seven days after the initiation of the attack. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy released a video of Oleksandr Syrskyi, the head of the Ukrainian armed forces, providing updates on the fierce conflict in the Kursk region. 

Areas Under Ukrainian Control

Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukraine currently controls approximately 1,000 square kilometers of the Kursk region, emphasizing the significant territorial influence they have established in the Russian Federation.

President Zelenskiy disclosed that a meeting of high-ranking officials had instructed the preparation of a "humanitarian plan" to address the needs of the affected area in the Kursk region. This plan is crucial to provide support and aid to the residents and communities impacted by the intense conflict. 

Ukrainian Diplomatic Efforts

Furthermore, Ukraine's defense ministry and diplomats have been directed to compile a list of "necessary actions" required to obtain approval from Kyiv's Western allies for the utilization of long-range weapons to conduct strikes on Russia. 

Rustem Umerov, the Defense Minister of Ukraine, urged France to lift the ban on using Western weapons for strikes on Russian military targets. This appeal was made during a discussion with the French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu.