Ukraine Seizes Territory in Kursk Offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces have seized approximately 1,000 square kilometers of territory in Russia's Kursk region following a surprise offensive, a claim that significantly exceeds Russian reports. Zelensky stated that Ukraine now controls 74 localities, while Russian sources estimate only 28. This rapid incursion, the largest into Russian territory since World War II, has resulted in over 100,000 people fleeing the affected regions. Zelensky emphasized that the offensive aims to leverage these gains in future peace negotiations, stating, 'Russia brought war to others, now it’s coming home.' Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the incursion as a provocation and vowed to retaliate. The situation remains fluid with ongoing battles across the front line as both sides prepare for extended conflict.