In 8 days in Kursk incursion, Ukraine captured more territory than Russia did in 8 months: Report

Aug. 14, 2024, 6:43 p.m.

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During their offensive in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured as much land in eight days as Russia gained in eastern Ukraine over eight months this year.

After months of setbacks, Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia’s border province of Kursk on August 6. The offensive took the Russian forces by surprise and Ukrainian forces have since continued to make gains. The incursion has now expanded to Russia’s second province, the neighbouring Belgorod, which also decaled a state of emergency.

Advertisement In Kursk, Ukraine claims to have seized control of at least one city and numerous villages.

In recent months, Russia had achieved a series of victories in eastern Ukraine, capturing dozens of villages. In May, they launched a surprise offensive in the Kharkiv region, leading to the control of hundreds of kilometers of territory and the evacuation of thousands of residents. However, Ukraine has now returned the favor.

Ukraine captures around 1,000 kms

In the eight days since the incursion into Russia, Ukraine has gained more territory than Russia had captured in the eight months of war in Ukraine this year, according to a report.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Ukraine has captured roughly 1,000 square kilometers of territory, while Russia has gained control of approximately 994 square kilometers in Ukraine during the current year.

Ukrainian forces have reportedly taken control of the city of Sudzha and at least 74 settlements in the Kursk region.

According to The Telegraph, Russia gained control of approximately 250 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory during its offensive in Kharkiv in May.

The purpose of the Ukrainian incursion is to create a buffer zone preventing Russia from using the area to launch attacks on Ukrainian border regions. A commander deployed in Kursk previously told the i newspaper that the goal of the incursion was to alleviate the pressure on Ukrainian forces engaged in other theaters of war.

Advertisement “Our aim is not to occupy Russian territory, but it's the only way to relieve pressure on our front lines in Donbas and Zaporizhzhia. We know we can't directly confront them in the east using their tactics because they disregard their soldiers, whereas our soldiers are our most valuable asset. Therefore, this is the best strategy for us to draw their forces away from the east and reinforce our border,” explained the commander.