The Russian army transferred 40,000 troops to the Kursk direction – Zelenskyi

During the operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk region, approximately 40,000 Russian troops were diverted in this direction, President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in an evening video message on September 19.

“Now the Defense Forces of Ukraine managed to reduce the offensive potential of the occupier in Donetsk region. The situation remains extremely difficult, there are heavy battles every day – Kurakhiv direction, Pokrovsky. But we are doing our best for the stability of our combat brigades,” Zelenskyy added.

The Ukrainian army entered the territory of the Kursk region of Russia on August 6. Fighting has continued in the region since that day. The Armed Forces of Ukraine claim control over dozens of settlements, including the district center of Suja, over a thousand square kilometers of controlled territory and hundreds of captured soldiers of the Russian army.

A federal state of emergency is in effect in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. According to official data, more than 130,000 people were evacuated from the border areas.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on August 13 that Ukraine is not interested in taking territory in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, but wants to protect the lives of Ukrainians and protect itself from Russian attacks.