Ukraine holds back 50,000 Russian troops in Kursk region: Zelenskyy urges partners to provide long-range weapons

He said this in his evening report on November 11.

In the morning, President Zelenskyy received a report from the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on the situation at the front. The Kurakhove direction is currently the most challenging, but the special operation in the Kursk region is also critical, Zelenskyy emphasized.

“There, our troops are holding back a substantial group of Russian forces—50,000 personnel of the occupying army. Thanks to the operation in Kursk, this force cannot be redirected to other areas of Russian offensives on our territory. We greatly value the bravery of all our soldiers and every unit involved in these battles,” the head of state wrote.

He also highlighted the effectiveness of the Defence Forces' strikes on Russian bases, logistics, and rear areas.

“Our strikes on Russian arsenals have reduced the number of artillery rounds used by the occupier, which is evident at the front. That is why we need long-range solutions from our partners in America, Britain, and Germany; this support is vital. The farther our missiles and drones can reach, the weaker Russia’s real combat power will be,” the president stressed.

Zelenskyy recalled that during a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff on November 11, it was decided to increase the number of mobile air defense firing groups.

In the afternoon, the president also met with the EU's chief diplomat, who is on a working visit to Kyiv, and discussed the supply of 1 million shells to Ukraine.

“Today, I also met with the Estonian Minister of Defence. Recently, a Russian Shahed strike on Kyiv damaged the building housing the Estonian ambassador's residence in Ukraine. This is one of many proofs that we must significantly strengthen not only our defense against Russian terror but also pressure on Russia to restrict its military production,” Zelenskyy said.

He also emphasized the need to tighten sanctions and prevent Russia from circumventing them, as foreign components continue to be found in the Shaheds.

• According to the General Staff, 125 combat engagements have been recorded on the Russian-Ukrainian front since the beginning of the day. The Russian army is attacking most of the time at the Kurakhove and Pokrovske directions.