Ukraine intercepts 30,000 Russian troops as battles rage on

Russia has already redirected about 30,000 soldiers from Ukraine towards the Kursk direction, and this number continues to grow, informed General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during his online appearance at the "Ukraine 2024. Independence" forum in Kyiv.

"The top general claimed that the surprise operation, ongoing for three weeks now, has managed to distract a 'significant number of Russian soldiers,'" reports Politico. "As of now, we can say the Kremlin has sent some 30,000 soldiers from other directions to Kursk, and their number is growing. At the same time, the enemy has been trying to avoid diverting forces from Pokrovsk, where it has increased its military push," noted General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

One of the main objectives of the offensive operation in the Kursk direction was to divert significant enemy forces from other areas, particularly from the Pokrovsk and Kurakhov directions. General Syrskyi emphasized: "As of today, we took control over 1,294 square kilometers territory there [in Kursk], 100 settlements. Also, because of our forces' successful actions, we managed to increase our exchange fund, as of today, we took 594 prisoners of war in this direction."

The General also informed that the situation in the Pokrovsk direction is challenging. In recent weeks, there have been an average of more than 50 armed clashes daily. Russian troops are utilizing their advantage in manpower, weaponry, and military equipment and are actively using artillery, aviation, and armored vehicles to conduct offensive operations, mainly through infantry assault groups.

"The situation in the Pokrovsk direction is quite challenging. In recent weeks, there have been an average of more than 50 military clashes every day. The enemy is actively utilizing its advantage in manpower, weapons, and military equipment, including artillery systems, aircraft, and armored vehicles, " the commander said.

The enemy is attempting to seize control of the Kostyantynivka-Pokrovsk highway to disrupt the logistics of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. General Syrskyi emphasized that Ukrainian units are doing everything possible to stop the advance.

The commander emphasized that the Defense Forces were trying to stop the enemy's advance. He noted that in this area, their soldiers neutralize an average of 300 enemy troops daily, and work is ongoing on engineering equipment to strengthen their positions and defensive lines. Despite the situation's complexity, he assured them it would remain under their control.

General Syrskyi also highlighted the significance of the Pokrovsk area as a critical zone for Ukrainian defense. He stated that fierce battles are ongoing in this direction every day and is an area receiving special attention. Syrskyi also added that they are also concentrating their main forces and resources there

So far, Ukrainian forces around Kursk have captured 594 Russian soldiers, significantly increasing Ukrainian resources for prisoner exchange. The enemy is resisting by moving units from other directions, weakening their positions. The general added that the enemy was trying to resist Ukrainian soldiers by relocating units from other directions, weakening those positions.

Syrskyi also noted that "the enemy drags troops from other directions, in such a way weakening them; they attempt to create a ring of defense around our offensive group of troops and plan counter-offensive actions. The commander concluded that "our further actions in this direction will depend on the development of the operational situation."