Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied claims that his troops are surrounded in Russia’s Kursk region, contradicting US leader Donald Trump’s statement that Ukrainian troops were “completely surrounded” by the Russian army.
Zelensky denies troops surrounded comes as Russia continues to regain control of key villages in the region, sparking concerns about the escalating conflict.
The conflict in Ukraine began in 2014, when Russian-backed separatists declared independence in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The conflict has since escalated into a full-scale war, with Russia launching a large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and a significant humanitarian crisis.
The situation in Kursk remains volatile, with Russia continuing to launch airstrikes and artillery attacks on Ukrainian positions. Ukraine has acknowledged that the situation in the Kursk area is “very difficult,” but Zelensky has assured that Ukrainian troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings in the region.
The international community has been quick to respond to the escalating conflict, with the UK hosting a virtual summit on Saturday to discuss protecting a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. However, Zelensky has warned that Moscow is intent on “prolonging the war” and “ignoring diplomacy”.
Russia has made significant military advances in recent days, regaining control of several villages in the Kursk region, including Zaoleshenka and Rubanshchina. Russia has also evacuated 275 civilians from the areas, according to the acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinstein .
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance.
The international community has pledged millions of dollars in aid, but the situation remains dire, with many people struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with the conflict showing no signs of abating. Zelensky’s denial of Trump’s claim that Ukrainian troops are surrounded in Kursk highlights the complexities of the conflict, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. As the international community continues to grapple with the crisis, one thing is clear: the people of Ukraine are paying the price for the ongoing conflict.