Ukrainian troops seized about 1,300 square kilometers and 100 settlements in the Kursk sector and captured 594 Russian soldiers.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated this.

“As of today, we continue to make progress. As of today, we have taken control of 1,294 square kilometers of territory and 100 settlements located on this territory. We have also significantly replenished the exchange fund. Ukrainian troops have captured 594 servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces in this sector so far,” Syrskyi reported.

He noted that the start of the operation was dictated by the intention to stop the constant shelling of the Sumy region from the territory of the Kursk region.

By early August, Russia had concentrated a significant number of its troops in the border area and was planning an offensive. Given this, it was decided to act proactively and create a security zone, launching its own offensive on August 6.

For its part, the enemy is trying to counter the advance of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk region. Russia is pulling its troops from other areas and has already amassed a group of about 30,000 people, and this number is growing.

The Commander-in-Chief stated that one of the objectives of the offensive in the Kursk region was to divert significant enemy forces from other areas. First of all, from Pokrovske and Kurakhove.

“Despite this, the enemy is trying not to withdraw units from other areas. On the contrary, he is increasing his efforts in the Pokrovsk sector. We are also concentrating our main forces and means in this area,” he noted.

Syrskyi said that the situation in the Pokrovsk sector is currently quite complex. In recent weeks, an average of more than 50 military clashes have been taking place daily. The enemy is using its advantage in manpower, weapons, and military equipment. However, in general, offensive actions are carried out by infantry assault groups.

“The enemy is trying to seize a section of the Kostiantynivka – Pokrovsk highway, intending to disrupt the logistics of the Defense Forces,” he said.

However, he noted that the advance comes at a high price. The enemy loses up to 300 soldiers on average every day.

To continue operating in this area, Russia started to transfer its units to the Kursk region, even from the Kaliningrad region.