Ukraine Takes Control of Russian Town Sudzha

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces have seized full control of Sudzha, a significant town in Russia's Kursk region, marking a pivotal gain in their counteroffensive efforts. Sudzha, with a prewar population of approximately 5,000, is strategically important due to its natural gas metering station that facilitates gas transit from West Siberia to Europe, accounting for about 3% of the continent's gas imports. The capture has resulted in over 120,000 civilians evacuating the area, and Ukraine claims to have taken at least 100 Russian soldiers captive. A military commandant's office is being established in Sudzha to manage regional operations. Despite the Ukrainian advance, Russia's defense ministry reported blocking other Ukrainian attempts in the region and dismissed the takeover as acts of sabotage. Additionally, Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Russian air bases, causing damage and further escalating tensions between the two nations.