"Creating a Buffer Zone" Is Main Objective in Kursk Region Operation, Zelensky Says

"Today, we achieved good and much-needed results in destroying Russian equipment near Toretsk. And all this is more than just defense for Ukraine; it is now our primary task in defensive operations overall: to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory – our operation in the Kursk region," Zelensky said in a video address.

The Ukrainian president noted that Russian troops are conducting attacks near Toretsk and Pokrovsky, but the Ukrainian brigades are "doing everything to hold the positions."

"Our guys are doing great on all fronts. However, there is a need for faster delivery of supplies from our partners. We strongly ask for this. There are no vacations in war. Decisions are needed, as is timely logistics for the announced aid packages. I especially address this to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France," said Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region has been ongoing for nearly two weeks. On August 15, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Sirsky reported to Zelensky that 82 settlements were under Ukrainian control within Russian territory. Russian state media, citing the Ministry of Emergency Situations, reports that more than 121,000 people have been evacuated from nine border regions.