KYIV — Ukraine’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has declared the long-running operation in the Kursk region a success, stating it has achieved most of its goals and halted Russian advances in key border areas. The operation, which has now lasted nine months, played a critical role in the defence of Ukraine’s northern front and the creation of a vital buffer zone along the border.
Speaking via social media on Monday, Syrskyi emphasised that the operation in the Kursk region was crucial in preventing Russian forces from launching offensives into Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Thanks to Ukraine’s proactive strategy in the area known as Kurshchyna, enemy troops were pushed back, unable to breach Ukrainian positions.
“The buffer zone created by the Defence Forces of Ukraine remains a key element of our national defence strategy and continues to serve its purpose,” Syrskyi said. He pointed out that the success of the operation was made possible by the innovative and unexpected tactics employed by Ukrainian forces, which caught the Russian occupiers off guard.
Syrskyi noted that Ukraine has proven its ability not only to defend but also to counterattack and push Russian forces back, including within Russian territory. He highlighted the importance of the contribution of specific military units and individual soldiers who displayed extraordinary courage and effectiveness on the battlefield.
One such unit is the 225th Separate Assault Regiment, which Syrskyi personally honoured during his working visit. “The 225th regiment has played a crucial role in the successful active defence of the north and the border areas with the Russian Federation,” he said. The general awarded members of the regiment with top-level state and departmental combat honours, praising them as true heroes of Ukraine.
