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Russian Operation in Kursk Reaches Final Phase as US Diplomacy Intensifies
According to state news agency Tass, Russia’s efforts to remove Ukrainian military forces from the Kursk region have advanced into what officials describe as the final phase, as communicated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Kursk, marking his first trip there since Ukrainian forces initially captured parts of the region.
This development coincides with US President Donald Trump’s announcement that negotiators were en route to Russia for discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire with Ukraine, following Ukraine’s agreement to a 30-day truce.
While Trump did not provide specifics, the White House confirmed that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow later this week.
Trump refrained from mentioning the timing of any future conversations with Putin but expressed hope for a ceasefire, stating, “It’s up to Russia now.”
Recent reporting indicates that Ukraine is facing challenges on the battlefield, particularly with losses in its eastern and southern territories, and officials noted the deaths of eight individuals in recent clashes.
Russian forces appear to be regaining ground in Kursk, having successfully pushed back against Ukrainian troops who launched a surprise offensive last August.
Footage aired on Russian television showed Putin visiting troops in the region, where he remarked, “I am counting on the fact that all the combat tasks facing our units will be fulfilled, and the territory of the Kursk region will soon be completely liberated from the enemy.”
General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of staff for the Russian military, claimed the capture of 430 Ukrainian soldiers, labeling them as “terrorists.”
In response, Ukrainian military commander General Oleksandr Syrsky acknowledged that some forces in Kursk are retreating to “more favorable positions.”
In an ensuing discussion about the ongoing battle, it was noted that Ukrainian forces had initially crossed into Russian territory on August 6, seizing land to distract Russian resources from the eastern front and strengthen their negotiation stance.
However, the recent rapid advancement of Russian troops has resulted in Ukraine retaining an area of less than 200 square kilometers, a significant reduction from 1,300 square kilometers previously under their control, according to Russian military sources.
Putin emphasized the urgency of decisively defeating the remaining Ukrainian forces and expressed the need for a secure border zone. Reports indicated that Russian forces have regained control of 86% of the land previously held by Ukraine in the Kursk region, reclaiming significant territory and numerous settlements.
As the situation continues to evolve, there are indications from Ukraine’s military that they will persist in their operations in Kursk as necessary and that combat remains active in areas like Sudzha.
In related news, the US has resumed its supply of arms and intelligence to Ukraine following discussions in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine expressed willingness to support the ceasefire proposal, while the Kremlin awaits further developments from the US regarding this engagement.
G7 Ministers Assemble in Canada Amid Tensions
The foreign ministers of the G7 nations convened in Canada on Thursday, amid escalating tensions resulting from President Trump’s foreign policy shifts concerning Ukraine and new tariffs.
Ministers representing Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States, alongside European Union representatives, gathered for discussions in the scenic town of La Malbaie.
Key topics included debriefing on Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine communicated its readiness to embrace a potential ceasefire.
In light of the prior G7 meetings being predominantly harmonious, reaching a conclusive final statement this time is proving to be more difficult, as indicated by Reuters.
The US’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum has drawn retaliatory measures from both Canada and the EU, highlighting the strain in relations.
Washington has been trying to shape the language regarding Ukraine while disapproving of a declaration related to Russia’s shipping activities that evade sanctions, and demanding stronger wording concerning China.
Rubio underscored the necessity of a commitment from Moscow without preconditions, emphasizing its importance for assessing the potential for lasting peace.
Polish President Advocates for US Nuclear Weapons on National Soil
Poland’s president has proposed the transfer of US nuclear weapons to Poland to deter further Russian aggression, indicating that this topic was recently a focal point of discussion with Trump’s special envoy Keith Kellogg.
President Andrzej Duda highlighted that NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe needs to evolve alongside past border changes to enhance regional security.
Ukrainian Cities Under Attack Amid Rising Tensions
Overnight, Russia reported downing 77 Ukrainian drones, followed by fresh attacks on multiple Ukrainian cities, resulting in casualties including the death of a woman in Kherson.
Reports from Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk confirmed that they also came under assault early Thursday.
Source
www.theguardian.com