Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has lauded his military forces for their ongoing offensive in the Russian region of Kursk, awarding several army units with state honors. As the conflict intensifies, Ukraine recently bolstered its aerial capabilities by acquiring a first batch of French Mirage 2000 fighter jets and F-16 fighters from the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have targeted an airfield in southern Russia, reportedly used to launch Shahed drones, highlighting the escalating tension between the two nations.
The Russian defense ministry has confirmed that Ukraine deployed two mechanized battalions, along with tanks and armored vehicles, approximately 10 kilometers from the border southeast of the Ukrainian-controlled town of Sudzha. Russia has acknowledged battling a renewed Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, with President Vladimir Putin admitting the situation there is "very difficult" during a meeting with regional governors.
Ukrainian forces struck the Primorsko-Akhtarsk airfield in Russia's Krasnodar region. The Ukrainian general staff reported that the night-time attack initiated a fire. In response, the Russian defense ministry claimed to have shot down Ukrainian drones over Krasnodar.
In an effort to mitigate civilian casualties, Ukraine has offered a humanitarian corridor for civilians in the Kursk region. However, according to Zelenskyy's office, Russia has not yet responded to this offer.
“We are ready to open a humanitarian corridor from Kursk region to the depths of Russia in response to an official request of the Russian Federation. Apparently, the Russians do not want such a humanitarian corridor, because we have not received a corresponding request from them.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office
The conflict's ramifications extend beyond military operations. Slovakia's gas transit company, SPP, has started receiving gas from Russia via Turkey after Ukraine halted Russian flows through its territory. This development underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict.
On the diplomatic front, Ukraine is preparing to present its position on ending the war and achieving a "long and lasting peace" at the upcoming Munich Security Conference. President Zelenskyy will lead Ukraine's delegation, reinforcing the country's commitment to seeking international support.
“It’s necessary that the leaders and the experts in politics who will be in Munich realise that this is momentum – that we are very near to really ending this war by a just and lasting peace, but [it’s] necessary to be together … Not to give Russia an opportunity to divide the world, to divide partners.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The United States will also have a significant presence at the conference, with Vice-President JD Vance and Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, expected to attend. Andriy Yermak emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in any plans moving forward.
“I think it’s important that we go through these consultations and negotiations before the [Trump] administration has any plans,” – Andriy Yermak
“Because our position is that it’s impossible to have, and will be a big mistake to have, any plans without participation by Ukraine in preparing this plan.” – Andriy Yermak
The Netherlands has committed to delivering a total of 24 F-16s to Ukraine, supplementing its existing support for training Ukrainian pilots and crew in Romania. This assistance forms part of a broader effort by Western allies to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities.
“The occupier can and should be beaten on its territory. The Kursk operation clearly explains the meaning of the principle of ‘peace through strength’.” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy