First Hours of Kursk Operation Revealed by Ukrainian Armed Forces

General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces released the first official video showing the initial hours of the Kursk operation.

“On August 6, 2024, the first hours of the Defense Forces' offensive operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation marked a pivotal moment in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The operation involved demining, breaching the border, dismantling enemy defensive lines, and leveraging aviation and artillery, along with managing prisoner situations,” the official statement reads.

The Ukrainian forces’ success of the initial phase was largely attributed to meticulous preparation, strategic planning, element of surprise, strong combat spirit, and effective operational silence. These factors were crucial in setting the stage for the offensive, according to the statement.

“The ongoing success of the operation now hinges on the resilience and effectiveness of Ukrainian soldiers across all branches of the military engaged in this effort,” the report from the Public Relations Department of the Communications Department of the Airborne Assault Troops Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine says.

On August 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially announced that Ukraine is carrying out an operation in Russia’s Kursk region. Recent reports indicate that Ukraine is now in control of 82 settlements, covering 1,150 km² of Russian territory. Zelenskyy also mentioned that hundreds of Russian soldiers have surrendered to Ukrainian forces.