Russia announced on Saturday that its forces have captured the settlement of Kirove in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. The Defense Ministry reported that its Tsentr (Center) forces seized Kirove, with other Russian army groups making advances along the frontline.
The ministry also noted continued fighting in Russia’s western Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops reportedly launched at least six offensives in various directions over the past day. Reconnaissance and search operations are underway to target sabotage groups, with artillery and aviation strikes reported in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region.
Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on Russia’s claims, and independent verification is challenging due to the ongoing conflict. The situation in Kursk began escalating following Ukraine’s offensive on the night of August 5-6, which Russia alleges was orchestrated by the West and led by the US.
Last Tuesday, Moscow summoned American Charge d’Affaires Stephanie Holmes to protest the involvement of US private military companies and journalists in the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the offensive aims to establish a buffer zone, attributing the attack to restrictions on striking deep into Russian territory imposed by Western allies.
Russian authorities reported 17 deaths, 140 injuries, and the evacuation of over 121,000 people from the conflict zone. Ukraine claims to have captured around 100 settlements, including the town of Sudzha.
