Putin visits Russia’s Kursk region, wants it ‘fully liberated’ from Ukraine forces
President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism Wednesday that Russian forces are close to "fully liberating" the Kursk region, coinciding with hints from Ukraine that its troops are withdrawing to more favorable positions amidst Russian advances. Putin, during his first visit to the region since Ukraine's August counteroffensive, praised recent gains and encouraged his troops, stating his expectation that all combat tasks will be fulfilled.
According to Russia's chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, Russian forces have reportedly retaken 24 settlements in the border region within the last five days. Shortly after Putin's remarks were broadcast, Ukraine's army commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, suggested a strategic retreat to minimize losses, using language typically associated with withdrawal, emphasizing the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers' lives.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism Wednesday that Russian forces are close to "fully liberating" the Kursk region, coinciding with hints from Ukraine that its troops are withdrawing to more favorable positions amidst Russian advances. Putin, during his first visit to the region since Ukraine's August counteroffensive, praised recent gains and encouraged his troops, stating his expectation that all combat tasks will be fulfilled.
According to Russia's chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, Russian forces have reportedly retaken 24 settlements in the border region within the last five days. Shortly after Putin's remarks were broadcast, Ukraine's army commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, suggested a strategic retreat to minimize losses, using language typically associated with withdrawal, emphasizing the priority of saving Ukrainian soldiers' lives.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
