Ukrainian forces capture Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced on Thursday, August 15, 2024, that Ukrainian forces have captured the Russian town of Sudzha, more than a week after launching an incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.

Ukrainian troops have been in the town, located 105 kilometers southwest of the city of Kursk, since last Wednesday.

This is the first official confirmation from President Zelensky.

Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian forces have advanced 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) through Russian defenses since their surprise attack began.

He noted that his troops had captured 1,150 square kilometers of territory and 82 settlements.

Syrskyi mentioned that they have established a military commandant’s office in Sudzha.

He noted the purpose was “to maintain law and order and meet the priority needs of the population in the controlled territories.”

Sudzha is near a Russian gas terminal, a crucial point for supplying gas from Russia, through Ukraine, to Europe.

This led to speculation that one of Kyiv’s goals might be to disrupt a key source of funding for Moscow.

Ukraine embarrass Russia

Ukraine’s ground incursion has displaced tens of thousands of Russians.

It has also put Russia on the defensive as it tries to push back Kyiv’s troops.

Ukrainian drones targeted four Russian airfields in the largest attack of the war, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

A source in Ukraine’s security service said that the attack targeted four bases in the southwest regions of Kursk Voronezh, and Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.

On the other hand, Russia’s defense ministry claims it recorded some successes.

It reported that it had destroyed 117 “aircraft-type” drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and nearby regions.

Ukraine’s assault has been described as a significant embarrassment for the Kremlin.

The assault marks the first time foreign troops have entered Russian territory since World War II.

Russia moves to counter Ukrainian advances

Russia has pulled reserves from key battleground areas in Ukraine and Crimea, aiming to counter Kyiv’s advances.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Telegram that they have recaptured Krupets from Ukrainian forces.

This reportedly occurred on Thursday in the Kursk region.

Reacting, Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to “kick the enemy out” of Russia after it was revealed that dozens of Russian villages were under Ukrainian control.

Ukraine continues to fight along the eastern front, where Russian forces have been making gradual gains for months.

Ukraine, on Thursday, reported the heaviest fighting in weeks near the eastern city of Pokrovsk.

Serhii Dobriak, head of Pokrovsk city military administration, regretted the loss to Ukrainian forces on Telegram.

He said the enemy was “almost right up close to our community” and just over 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the city.

Dobriak urged all citizens to “evacuate without delay.”

About Kremlin

The Kremlin is a fortified complex in Moscow, Russia, since the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) days, which Ukraine was a member.

It’s situated in the heart of the country’s capital city and is the best-known of the Kremlins (Russian citadels).

The Kremlin includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall, along with the Kremlin towers.

The Grand Kremlin Palace, once the royal residence of Russia’s Emperor, now houses the President of the Russian Federation.

This historic palace has transitioned from imperial royalty to modern political authority, symbolizing Russia’s evolving leadership.

The Kremlin overlooks the Moskva River to the south and Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east.

Furthermore, Alexander Garden is to the west of the Kremlin.

In Russian, “Kremlin” means “fortress inside a city,” it refers to the Government of the Russian Federation in international politics.

About Sudzha

Sudzha is a town and the administrative center of Sudzhansky District in Kursk Oblast, Russia.

It’s situated on the Sudzha and Olyoshnya Rivers, approximately 105 kilometers (65 miles) southwest of Kursk.

Kursk serves as the administrative center of the oblast.

The town, presently under Ukrainian contrl, has a population of 5,127 people.

Sudzha plays notable role in natural gas exchange as Trans-Siberian pipeline meets the Brotherhood pipeline there.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook