Ukraine Establishes Military Office in Kursk, Russia

The Ukrainian military’s latest move in Kursk has raised eyebrows and left experts questioning the next steps amid ongoing conflict.

At a Glance

Ukraine has established a military commandant’s office in the occupied part of Russia’s Kursk region
Ukrainian forces have advanced 35 km into the Kursk region
Major General Eduard Moskalyov has been appointed to head the military commandant’s office
Ukraine has taken control of 82 settlements and an area of 1,150 square kilometers
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at further offensive actions on Russian territory

Ukraine Establishes Military Office in Kursk

Ukraine has reportedly secured a notable position on Russian soil by establishing a military commandant’s office in the occupied area of Russia’s Kursk region. This move signifies a bold incursion by Ukrainian forces, marking a significant advance of 35 kilometers into the Kursk region since last week alone.

This organized approach has led to the complete takeover of 82 settlements and an expanse covering 1,150 square kilometers.

Major General Appointed to Head the Office

Major General Eduard Moskalyov has been appointed to oversee the newly established commandant’s office in Kursk.

#Ukraine sets up military administrative office in Russia's Kursk region, where its surprise incursion into Russian territory continues, says its top military commander. The office would "maintain law and order" and "meet the immediate needs" of civilians https://t.co/A37sko1D8u

— Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro) August 15, 2024

“We are moving forward in Kursk region. A military commandant’s office has been created, which must ensure order and also all the needs of the local population,” Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi wrote in a statement.

This underscores Ukraine’s strategic planning and strong organizational structures to manage the occupied regions effectively. The country has indicated it’s not invested in taking territory for its own, but rather using it to pressure Russia into ending the war.

Further Strategic Advances Predicted

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that more offensive actions on Russian territory could take place.

“We must clearly guarantee at the legislative level that our warriors, who participate, for example, in the Kursk operation and will participate in all our other actions on the territory of the aggressor state, will receive absolutely all payments and benefits designated for the front line,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need to ensure Ukrainian soldiers engaged in operations on Russian soil receive their designated payments and benefits.

Heavy fighting continues in eastern Ukraine, near the city of Pokrovsk, with the head of the Pokrovsk military administration urging locals to evacuate due to the proximity of enemy forces.

Russia’s Response to Ukrainian Advances

Ukraine is working on creating a humanitarian corridor to Russia’s Kursk region from Sumy, showcasing its efforts to establish control and provide safety.

In response to Ukraine’s offensive, Russia has commenced fortifying its border defenses, improving command and control, and deploying additional forces to contain the incursion.

President Putin promised a “worthy response” to the Ukrainian incursion.

The situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for further military actions as heavy fighting continues along the eastern front.

Ukraine’s special forces have captured over 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk, marking the largest group captured since the conflict began. This showcases Ukraine’s increasing assertiveness in the ongoing war, focusing on weakening enemy lines and strengthening their hold in occupied regions.