Ukraine Bolsters Positions in Kursk as Russia Warns of Potential Nuclear Plant Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today, Saturday, that the Ukrainian army is bolstering its positions in the Kursk region, more than ten days after the start of Ukrainian military operations on Russian soil. Zelensky’s statements came following Russian accusations that Ukraine destroyed a key bridge in the border area to disrupt Russian troop movements, according to reports from the French news agency.
On his Telegram account, Zelensky stated, “After a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army, General Oleksandr Syrsky, we have reinforced our positions in the Kursk region and expanded the secured areas.”
Zelensky also mentioned that “the exchange fund for our country has been renewed,” referring to the Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine. He expressed gratitude to the soldiers and commanders responsible for these efforts, which help pave the way for the release of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians held in Russia.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of planning to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant to blame Moscow for this “provocation,” according to Russia’s Interfax news agency. The Russian Defense Ministry warned that it would respond “harshly” if such an attack occurred, highlighting the risk of contaminating a large area around the plant.
Ukraine began its operations in the Kursk region, western Russia, on August 6, announcing control over 82 residential areas covering an area of 1,150 square kilometers since then. However, the Kursk nuclear power plant remains under Russian control.
