Ukrainian forces have made further advances into Kursk region despite statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming that the unexpected Ukrainian offensive had been halted and enemy forces had been defeated.
By 18:00 Moscow time, after occupying the settlements of Hornal, Guevo, and Kurilovka, as well as partially taking over Sudzha, Ukrainian troops reached Korenevo. This has resulted in Ukrainian forces advancing 25 kilometers from the border, according to Russian military correspondents.
Thus, since the start of the day, when Ukrainian advancement was estimated at 15 kilometers, the Ukrainian forces have moved an additional 10 kilometers deeper into Kursk region.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense had stated around noon that "no enemy advancement was allowed in the Kursk direction" and claimed that Ukrainian reserves were defeated in the areas of Basovka, Zhuravka, Yunakovka, Belovody, Kiyanytsa, Korchakovka, Nova Sich, Pavlovka, and Gorodishche in Sumy region.
Four hours later, during an emergency meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reiterated that "enemy advancement into Russian territory in the Kursk direction has been stopped," assuring that the operation in Kursk region would end with the "defeat" of Ukrainian forces and a return to the state border.
In reality, as reported by Rybar, the situation in Kursk region "continues to worsen." In addition to advancing towards Sudzha and capturing a Gazprom gas station for European transit, Ukrainian forces have "expanded their control zone" on the northwestern front. "The village of Leonidovo and the settlement of Lyubimovka have been occupied," writes Rybar, noting that attempts by Russian troops to expel the Ukrainians from the settlement of Zelenyi Shlyakh have failed.
According to Z-publishing, Ukrainian forces have managed to capture around 40 Russian soldiers in Sudzha. "Unfortunately, enemy reconnaissance groups are penetrating further," reports the channel "Two Majors." According to them, the army is moving reserves into Kursk region as the "enemy's invasion group turned out to be larger than expected."
