Russian forces have recaptured Sudzha, a key town in the Kursk region that was occupied by Ukraine last year, according to Moscow. The move is seen as a major symbolic victory for Russia and puts pressure on Kyiv to negotiate an end to the war.
The Russian defense ministry said Thursday that its units had liberated the settlements of Melovoy, Podol, and Sudzha during an offensive operation. Footage from the ground also showed Russian forces seizing Sudzha and advancing to southern Zaoleshenka.
Sudzha’s recapture is significant because it was one of the only key towns still held by Ukraine. The town has a population of around 5,000 people before Ukraine’s incursion.
As tensions rise, US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow on Thursday to brief Russian officials on a proposed 30-day ceasefire covering the entire frontline. Ukraine has already accepted this proposal.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed confidence that all parts of the Kursk region held by Ukraine will be liberated soon. President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Kursk region, urging troops to liberate the area and create a “buffer zone” along Russia’s border with Ukraine.
The situation on the ground remains fluid, but it appears that Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold onto their captured territory in the region. With Russian forces advancing, Kyiv is under pressure to negotiate an end to the war.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/13/europe/russia-claim-recaptured-sudzha-intl