Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (file photo)
Kyiv: Ukrainian forces were strengthening their positions in the Russian Region of Kursk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. Ukrainian forces have been rolling out a major ground offensive in the region for more than 11 days, Agence France-Presse reported.
A day ago, Russia accused Ukraine of destroying a key bridge over a river in the border region. Kyiv is now focusing on disrupting the supply routes of Russian troops and their movement.
Zelensky made the announcement on Telegram that Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrsky updated about the strengthening of their forces in the Kursk region and the expansion of stabilized territory.
"As of this morning, we have replenished the exchange fund for our country," Zelensky said on the post. He was referring to Russian soldiers Ukraine has captured to use in prisoner swaps in the future.
Zelensky thanked all the Ukrainian soldiers and commanders who were taking Russian soldiers as prisoners. Thus, they brought Ukraine closer to releasing soldiers and civilians Russia holds as hostages, he said.
Further, the Ukraine administration claims that its forces have taken control of more than 80 settlements in a lighting incursion. The attack had caught Kremlin off guard when the war in Ukraine reached almost two and half years since Russia started a full-scale invasion.