Russian offensive in Kursk Region reaches Sudzha, fighting ongoing

Russian forces have launched a large-scale assault on the city of Sudzha in the Kursk Region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing battle for control of the area. 

According to reports from the Telegram channel SHOT, cited by Russian media, Russian troops advanced into the outskirts of the city from multiple directions early on March 8, engaging in intense street battles, per Caliber.Az.

Reports indicate that fighting is currently taking place within the city limits, with stormtroopers from several units receiving support from drone operators.

Military correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny also reported on the offensive, stating that Russian forces had launched an operation in Sudzha. He suggested that “the operation to liberate the Kursk region is moving into the final stage.” However, the Russian Defense Ministry has yet to provide any official confirmation.

Meanwhile, on the previous day, the Telegram channel "Pozivnoy OSETIN” reported that clashes had begun for control of the settlement of Malaya Loknya in the Kursk Region. These developments follow reports that the Ukrainian garrison in Sudzha has been operationally encircled, with claims that the last remaining transportation link to Ukraine is now under Russian fire control.

Ukraine initially launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024. After six months of combat, Russian military sources claim that they have regained control of approximately 64% of the territory in the region.

Amid ongoing fighting, senior officials from the United States and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to discuss efforts toward a potential ceasefire in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.

This meeting marks the first high-level engagement between US and Ukrainian officials following last week’s tense exchange between former US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. That confrontation led to a major diplomatic crisis, ultimately resulting in the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

The planned discussions in Riyadh come shortly after a separate meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago. Ukrainian leaders were reportedly caught off guard, learning about the meeting only through media reports, which fueled frustration in Kyiv as Ukraine was not invited to participate.

According to a source, the decision to hold the upcoming talks was made during a phone call on March 5 between White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak.

The meeting in Riyadh is expected to include White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Waltz on the US side, while Yermak will lead the Ukrainian delegation.

By Tamilla Hasanova