The cross-border incursion, which began on August 6, has led to Ukraine securing approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory by August 12.

Kursk Oblast, which covers nearly 30,000 square kilometers, is comparable in size to the U.S. state of Maryland or Germany's Brandenburg. Russian regional authorities acknowledged on August 12 that Ukraine controls 28 settlements in Kursk, with the incursion extending up to 12 kilometers along a 40-kilometer front.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian forces had advanced an additional 3 kilometers, gaining control over another 40 square kilometers of territory. President Zelensky stated that he remains in constant communication with Syrskyi regarding the situation in Kursk and emphasized that despite the intense battles, Ukrainian forces continue to make progress.

Zelensky also mentioned that humanitarian solutions are being established for the newly controlled territories. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi clarified that Ukraine's actions are not aimed at territorial expansion but are focused on protecting Ukrainian lives.

Tykhyi explained that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast is intended to prevent Russia from sending reinforcements to the front in Donbas and to halt Russian cross-border strikes. He noted that since the beginning of summer, Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast has been subjected to over 2,000 strikes from Kursk Oblast, including rocket systems, mortars, drones, guided bombs, and missiles. Tykhyi added that Ukraine currently lacks the long-range capabilities necessary to fully defend itself against such attacks. (ILKHA)