Ukraine declared full control over parts of Russia’s Kursk region on Thursday, Aug. 15, just 10 days into its surprise offensive. The incursion is the deepest breach into Russian territory since the war began in February 2022.
Ukrainian forces announced on Thursday that they have setup a military administrative office to “maintain law and order” and to “meet the immediate needs” of people in the area.
The Ukrainian military also said that it had captured another 100 Russian soldiers. The new soldiers are in addition to the hundreds of Russian soldiers who have already surrendered, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s intelligence agency revealed that the surprise offensive may be larger than previously thought. The agency described fighting in Russia’s Belgorod region as “fierce” and it has been reported that Ukrainian forces have run into tougher obstacles in Belgorod than Kursk. Units reported dealing with so-called dragon’s teeth barriers and trenches dug by Russian forces.
However, Kyiv said that its ultimate goal is not “taking over” Russian territory, rather, it is to pressure Moscow into agreeing to “restore peace.” Reports indicate that Ukraine may use captured Russian soldiers and territory for future prisoner swaps.
Additionally, tanks donated by the United Kingdom were reportedly used during Ukraine’s incursion into Russian territory. The U.K. Ministry of Defense did not respond to the specific report but maintained that Ukraine has the right to use U.K. weapons “for self-defense against illegal Russian attacks.”
The Kremlin has already accused the West of being behind the attack on its territory and previously warned Western nations not to give Ukraine tanks.
