He highlighted the outcomes of his strategic meeting with military commanders and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov focused on key areas of combat operations. Special attention was given to the Donetsk direction and the ongoing operation in Kursk Oblast, which has been active for nearly six months.
In the summer of 2024, Ukrainian troops launched a successful offensive in Kursk Oblast, reclaiming significant territories. By the fall, Russia resorted to deploying North Korean troops, sending approximately 11,000 soldiers. However, due to poor training and language barriers, these forces suffered heavy losses.
Zelenskyy stressed that maintaining the buffer zone within Russian territory is crucial for preventing enemy attacks on Ukraine’s border areas.