Ukrainian commander on Kursk operation: No impact on other frontlines, but boosts morale

"In the first days, it seemed like there was a slight reduction in aviation and guided aerial bombs, but that lasted only a few days. Today, the Kursk operation has absolutely no impact on any other part of the front," Zhorin said during the Radio NV broadcast when asked whether Ukraine's offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast had affected the situation on the Ukrainian frontlines.

However, the deputy commander noted that the operation in Kursk Oblast has positively impacted the morale and psychological state of many Ukrainian soldiers. In some cases, this operation even overshadowed the perception of ongoing events in Ukraine, according to Zhorin.

The offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Kursk Oblast

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Aug. 12,  that Ukrainian Defense Forces began an operation in Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6 to reclaim border areas from Russian troops that had been shelling Sumy Oblast.

The same day, Kursk Oblast authorities reported the loss of 28 settlements, including Sudzha, which was the last point for Russian gas transit to Europe through Ukraine.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Aug. 20 that Ukraine now controls 1,263 square kilometers and 93 settlements in Kursk Oblast.

Reinforced concrete shelters were being installed in populated areas of Kursk Oblast as of Aug. 22.

Later, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleschuk reported that, in late August, tactical aviation pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force and other Defense Forces units carried out strikes with guided aerial bombs on two bridge crossings in Russia's Kursk Oblast.