Putin Says Ukraine Offensive Fails to Halt Russian Advance

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Ukraine's recent incursion into the Kursk region has failed to disrupt Russian military advances in Donbass, where troops are reclaiming territory rapidly. He accused Ukraine of provoking conflict to avoid holding presidential elections amid ongoing martial law. Meanwhile, former US ambassador Kurt Volker noted that Russia is unable to simultaneously defend its territory and attack Ukraine, leading to troop redeployments that Ukraine could exploit. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed that Ukraine did not coordinate its Kursk offensive with NATO, describing it as a legitimate move to create a buffer zone against Russian attacks. As heavy fighting continues in Donetsk, analysts suggest that the Ukrainian attack has exposed weaknesses in the Russian military's command and control structures. Ukraine claims to control over 1,000 square kilometers in Kursk, while Russia maintains its focus on advancing in Donetsk despite the challenges posed by Ukraine's operations.