Defense Express: Operation in Kursk region advances Ukraine’s interests

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"We can only judge indirectly what’s happening in the Kursk direction. Given the significant changes in this area, even reports from various sources may have little connection to actual events. And that’s a good thing. We saw how this operation began — not in complete silence, but certainly in conditions where the enemy had little understanding of Ukraine’s real intentions. A plan is now unfolding that aligns with Ukraine’s strategic interests. The key point is that Ukraine has never aimed to occupy territory for constitutional integration or any other such purpose," he said.

Ryabykh emphasized that the Kursk operation was designed to serve Ukraine’s objectives at this stage of its strategic defensive campaign.

"This means creating conditions for the maximum destruction of enemy military potential, diverting its efforts elsewhere, and aiding the fulfillment of Ukraine’s broader military tasks. Beyond the battlefield, this also serves military-political goals. What’s happening in Kursk now plays into that strategy," he added.

Frontline situation in Kursk region

The OSINT project DeepState reported that the Russian army made slight advances on the Kursk front, particularly near Mirny and Zozulevka. Additionally, Russian forces are reinforcing positions in the eastern part of Sudzha.

On March 12, Forbes reported that Ukrainian troops were likely to leave the Kursk region amid the Russian offensive. In particular, this concerns the most combat-ready part of the brigades.

At the same time, Ukrainian MP Kostenko denied the information about the withdrawal of the Ukrainian Defense Forces from Sudzha. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also assured that the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to carry out their mission in Kursk.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that active hostilities continue in the Kursk operational zone, in the suburbs of Sudzha and the areas around it. 

On March 12, Russian leader Vladimir Putin allegedly visited the Kursk region.