Putin Orders Swift Defeat in Kursk, Aims to Liberate 86% of Region and Establish Border Security Zone

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the swift defeat of enemy forces entrenched in the Kursk region, emphasizing the urgency of the task during a meeting at a command post of the Kursk military group. Putin's directive aims to completely liberate the region and restore positions along the Russian-Ukrainian state border. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Putin's appearance in camouflage attire at the command post as a signal of determination to complete the operation to liberate the Kursk region in the very near future. This operation has reportedly entered its final stage, with 86% of the territory already liberated, covering over 1,100 square kilometers. Ukrainian forces have suffered significant losses, including 67,000 personnel, 7,000 pieces of equipment, 391 tanks, 2,780 armored vehicles, and over 1,000 artillery pieces. Putin also instructed military leaders to consider the future establishment of a security zone along the Russian-Ukrainian border, indicating a strategic focus on long-term regional stability. Russian forces have advanced into the Sumy region, taking 430 prisoners in the process.