Kursk operation helps free many Ukrainian POWs, says Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy shared this information.

“First of all, we focused on the frontline. We discussed our military tasks and steps for the near future, as well as what our soldiers need to be effective: weapons, military equipment, supplies, and staffing for brigades,” the president said about the meeting.

Syrskyi reported on the situation in all combat areas and efforts to repel Russian attacks. They talked specifically about the Kursk operation, where the commander-in-chief noted that the Defense Forces are holding their positions and preventing the enemy from expanding the war into Ukraine.

“Instead of a buffer zone planned by the Russians inside Ukraine, we’ve created a buffer zone near our border on Russian territory. I’m grateful to all our soldiers for their bravery. We also need to focus on replenishing the exchange fund to free our people from Russian captivity,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

He added that the Kursk operation has helped release a significant number of our people. Following today’s meeting, the president said they updated their tasks for negotiations with partners regarding defense support for Ukraine.

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  The Ukrainian Defense Forces' operation in the Kursk region has led to Russia increasing the frequency of prisoner exchanges. This information comes from a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).