Ukraine seizes Russian city and targets airfields in major offensive

In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces have taken control of Sudzha, a Russian town located 105 km southwest of Kursk. The city, which sits next to a key Russian gas terminal, was captured more than a week ago, marking a significant advance in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The Ukrainian army, led by Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, has reportedly advanced 35 kilometers through Russian defenses since the surprise assault began. This has led to the capture of 1150 square kilometers of territory and 82 settlements. A military commander's office has been established in Sudzha to maintain law and order and attend to the immediate needs of the local population.

Sudzha's strategic location, next to a major gas terminal, has led to speculation that one of Ukraine's goals may be to disrupt an important source of income for Moscow. The Ukrainian incursion has displaced tens of thousands of Russians and put Russia on the defensive.

In a remarkable development, Ukrainian drones targeted four Russian airfields, marking the largest such attack of the war. Russia's defense ministry said it had destroyed 117 aircraft-type drones and four tactical missiles over Kursk and neighboring regions.

This Ukrainian offensive, the first foreign incursion into Russian territory since World War II, has put the Kremlin in a precarious position. In response, Russia has reportedly withdrawn reserves from key battleground areas of Ukraine and Russian-occupied Crimea to counter Ukrainian advances.

Despite Ukraine's progress, the eastern front remains a struggle as Russian forces have been making steady gains for months. The city of Pokrovsk reported the heaviest fighting in recent weeks, with enemy forces dangerously close to the city. The head of the military administration of the city of Pokrovsk, Serhii Dobriak, has urged citizens to evacuate immediately.

As the situation continues to develop, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to expel the invaders, after reports that numerous Russian villages are now under Ukrainian control. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue their unexpected advance, altering the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.