Hundreds of Russian Soldiers Surrender During Ukrainian Operation in Kursk Region, Zelenskyy Says

On August 13, during his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces have successfully taken control of 74 settlements in Russia’s Kursk Region.

He added, that as part of the operation, hundreds of Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces.

“A special thanks goes out to all our troops who are replenishing the exchange fund—this is crucial for our state. Hundreds of Russian soldiers have already surrendered, and they will all be treated humanely—something they did not even receive in their own Russian army,” Zelenskyy stated.

In his statement, he stressed that Ukraine remains focused on all aspects of its defense, with attention directed to various front-line regions, including Donetsk—Pokrovskyi, Toretskyi, and Kramatorskyi—Kharkiv, and the Southern front.

Special emphasis has been placed on the Kursk Region and the protection of Ukraine’s border communities. Zelenskyy stressed that the more Ukrainian forces reduce the Russian military presence in these border areas, the closer the country comes to achieving lasting peace and security.

“The Russian state must answer for its actions. And it is being held accountable.”

Earlier, Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stated during a press conference on August 13 that, unlike Russia, Ukraine does not seek to capture foreign territories, and the Ukrainian side is not interested in taking over the Kursk region.