Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, came to the Kursk region the day after Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal. This is the first visit of the Russian dictator since the beginning of the Ukrainian offensive. During his visit, Putin met, among another things, with the Chief of Staff of the General Armed Forces of Russia, General Walerij Gierasimov.
Russian state media released a video of Putin's visit to the Kursk Oblast. The dictator came to the region dressed in uniform, which could have been a motion of solidarity with Russian troops. This happened the day after Ukraine accepted the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
During the gathering Gerasimov informed Putin that Russian forces had advanced by over a 1000 square kilometres. He besides reported that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk Oblast are “isolated” and “permanent demolition of them systematically”. In response, Putin ordered “to defeat the enemy in the shortest possible time” and to gain full control of the Kursk circuit.
He besides suggested that Russia should consider setting up a safety area close the state border. “All people who are on the territory of the Kursk region commit crimes against civilians here, argue our armed forces, law enforcement and peculiar services, according to the law of the Russian Federation are terrorists,” the Russian president said.
Ukrainian troops unexpectedly entered the Kursk circuit on August 6, 2024. It was officially reported that the intent of this operation was to force Russia to shift part of its forces from occupied Donbas in the east of Ukraine to defend its own territory. According to Reuter agency data, Kiev presently controls about 500 km2 of the Russian circuit, however, the Center for east Studies states that little than 200 km2 stay under Kiev's control.
At the same time, the Russian army is conducting actions to completely cut Ukraine off from the back. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenski confirmed that Ukrainian troops are inactive operating in the Kursk Oblast, and "military command focuses on minimising casualties among soldiers".
In view of this situation, the EU and NATO expressed concern about Russian aggression and called for the immediate cessation of war. The United States besides expressed support for Ukraine and called for a resolution of the conflict through diplomacy.
It is worth reminding that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has already continued since 2014, erstwhile Russia annexed Crimea. Since then, both sides have been accusing each another of violating agreements and taking war action. The number of victims in this conflict is advanced and the humanitarian situation is critical.
In this context, the global community should step up cooperation and take effective action to resolve the conflict and guarantee peace in the region. Humanitarian aid and diplomatic support are essential to alleviate suffering and combat the consequences of the conflict.
Continued here:
Russia and Ukraine: next chapters of the conflict
