Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially acknowledges that Ukraine's Armed Forces are executing an operation in Russia's Kursk region for the first time.
According to a statement from his Telegram channel, Zelensky received a briefing from Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces about the said special operations on Monday, August 12.
Details of the President's Address
President Zelensky appreciated members of Ukraine's Armed Forces fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war while sharing further details on his conversation with Syrsky.
"Ukraine is proving that it can indeed restore justice and ensure the necessary pressure on the aggressor," he added, acknowledging Ukraine's rapidly advancing troops inside Russia.
Ukraine conducted a surprise attack on Russia last Tuesday, gaining over 10km (six miles) inside Russia, in what was termed Ukraine’s deepest raid since Russia began invading Russia in February 2022.
Zelensky also added that Kyiv planned to send humanitarian aid to the operation's site. “Among other things, we instructed the Minister of Internal Affairs, other government officials, and the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) to prepare a humanitarian plan for the area where the operation is taking place," Zelensky disclosed following the meeting.
Meanwhile, Zelensky also disclosed details about the country's economic situation as First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svrydenko announced that the government was preparing long-term contracts for Ukrainian businesses. He also revealed an increase in the share of Ukrainian production in state procurement, suggesting a recent positive trajectory for the nation's economy.
Moreover, the Ukrainian leader said his Cabinet is planning to regain Ukrainian captives under Russian siege. Zelensky charged several agencies, including the Coordination Staff, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Defense Intelligence, to achieve the rescue.
Per its subsequent military firepower, Zelensky has asked the Ministry of Defense and diplomats to submit a list of necessary steps to receive permission from “partners” to use long-range weapons for “the defense of our territory.”
How Ukraine is Fighting Russian “Aggression”
Ukrainian Forces are reportedly controlling 28 settlements, according to Russian reports that Kyiv had broken through the border into the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military command had remained silent on this until the early hours of Monday morning. Meanwhile, Zelensky had only previously stated that his country's troops were "pushing" into Russia's territory.
Locals report that the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other regions came under a Russian missile and drone attack during the early hours of Sunday. Additionally, Kyiv recently admitted to sinking Russian submarines, in the series of continuous fighting against Russia’s invasion.
Switzerland has highlighted the need for Russian participation in the Second Peace Summit on the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv, initiated by Ukraine.
Russia wasn't part of the first Peace Summit on the Russia-Ukraine war. The summit, which was held in Switzerland in June, had representatives from over 100 countries communicate on plans to achieve a middle ground between the conflicting nations.
Reports show that Ukraine intends to organize a second Peace Summit later in the year, where it wants to provide a plan to implement the peace formula.
Final Thoughts
Ukrainian President Zelensky admitted that Ukrainian troops in Russia are executing an operation in Russia's Kursk region in a public address earlier on Monday. The address included details of the President's meeting with members of his Cabinet, including Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces.