Zelenskyy: Ukraine has created buffer zone on Russian territory

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced today that the Ukrainian Defense Forces have successfully maintained their positions in the ongoing Kursk operation, creating a strategic buffer zone inside Russian territory and securing the release of numerous Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.

After a high-level meeting with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Chief of the Army Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Chief of the General Staff Anatoliy Bargylevych, Zelenskyy provided an update on the situation across all combat zones. He highlighted the significance of the Kursk operation, where Ukrainian forces continue to hold the line against Russian forces.

“We have prevented the enemy from expanding the war on our land and instead established a buffer zone on Russian soil,” Zelenskyy said via Telegram.

The president emphasized that the operation had played a key role in freeing a large number of Ukrainians from Russian captivity. He also noted the importance of replenishing the exchange fund to facilitate further releases of Ukrainian prisoners.

“I am deeply grateful to our soldiers for their bravery and commitment in these critical operations,” Zelenskyy added.

Chief of the Army Oleksandr Syrskyi also confirmed that despite Russia’s efforts to gain control in the Sumy and Kursk regions, the situation remains firmly in the hands of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.