BREAKING: Russia Retakes Sudzha, Biggest Town Controlled by Ukraine – wna24
New Delhi: Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday that it has successfully retaken Sudzha, the largest town in the Kursk region, which had been under Ukrainian control since a surprise cross-border offensive in August 2024. This comes hours after President Vladimir Putin visited his commanders in Kursk. However, this claim has yet to be independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have made no immediate comment on the situation.
This development coincides with U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with President Donald Trump pushing for a ceasefire agreement, a proposal that Ukraine has supported. The U.S. has expressed hope that Russia will stop its attacks on Ukraine soon, with U.S. officials working on talks with Moscow to initiate a ceasefire. Trump’s administration has warned of potential sanctions if Russia rejects peace efforts.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that U.S. negotiators are en route to Russia, though he declined to comment on Moscow’s stance regarding the ceasefire proposal, emphasizing that discussions have not yet begun. The U.S. has been active in pushing for a resolution, with national security adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, planning to meet Russian officials soon.
The timing of the ceasefire proposal is pivotal, as Russian forces have the upper hand in the conflict, controlling large parts of Ukrainian territory, including Sudzha. President Putin’s recent statement to military commanders indicated a focus on further securing the Kursk region and possibly expanding Russian territory into Ukraine’s neighboring Sumy region, which could complicate peace talks.
The Ukrainian military’s position in Russia has been under heavy pressure from renewed Russian offensives, especially after Ukraine’s daring incursion into Russian territory in August 2024. Despite the recapture of Sudzha by Russian forces, Ukrainian military officials have not confirmed whether they still control the town but noted significant damage, with Ukrainian forces maneuvering to more favorable positions.
In addition, the Ukrainian military leadership saw a shakeup, with Major General Dmytro Krasylnykov, the commander of Ukraine’s Northern Operational Command, being dismissed from his post without a clear explanation. His removal adds another layer of uncertainty to Ukraine’s military strategy in the region.
As Russia strengthens its hold in the Kursk region, the prospect of a ceasefire remains uncertain, with the U.S. pushing for an end to the fighting, while Moscow considers its next steps in the conflict.