Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for a swift defeat of Ukrainian forces that have entered the Kursk region, as the Russian military continues a large counteroffensive against Ukrainian troops remaining in the area. Putin visited a command center in the region, where he met with Russian military commanders and heard a report from the General Staff chief, General Valeri Gerassimov.
Putin thanked the General Staff and units fighting in the region for their efforts, stating that the goal is to inflict a quick defeat on the enemy that has taken up positions on the territory of the Kursk region. He also mentioned that Moscow is considering the creation of a “security zone” along the border with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian forces that have entered the region should be treated as “terrorists” including all Ukrainian fighters captured in the area, according to Putin. Gerassimov reported that the Russian military has liberated an area of 259 square kilometers in the past five days, which includes 24 cities and villages. The Kiev forces in the area are largely “encircled” and “isolated” the General Staff chief said.
A Kremlin-released video shows Putin in a military uniform, meeting with Gerassimov in front of a building that serves as a command post, before going inside to discuss with other officers and commanders.
According to Gerassimov, the Ukrainian military has lost over 67,000 soldiers in its attempt to advance and the Russian troops have since the start of the counteroffensive liberated more than 1,100 square kilometers or 86 percent of the original territory held by Kiev.
The visit took place just hours after reports emerged of the liberation of Sudscha, the largest city held by Ukraine in the Kursk region. Some videos on social media showed Russian troops raising a flag in the city center, while reports suggested that fighting continues in the western and northwestern outskirts of Sudscha. Earlier in the week, the Russian military, in a surprise attack, recaptured 12 settlements and over 100 square kilometers of land and also took control of the industrial area of Sudscha.