Ukrainian Forces Continue To Advance In Kursk Region - Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a statementon X confirming that Ukrainian forces continue to advance in Russian Kursk region.

• Zelenskyy: "I am constantly in touch with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, receiving reports on the frontline situation and our operations in the Kursk region. Despite the difficult and intense battles, our forces continue to advance in the Kursk region, and our state’s “exchange fund” is growing."
• 'Exchange fund' likely refers to captured Russian military personnel who can be exchangedfor Ukrainian prisoners of war.
• Zelenskyy: "74 communities are under Ukrainian control, where inspections and stabilization measures are being carried out. The development of humanitarian solutions for these territories continues... Preparations for our next steps continue."
• Politico reported earlier today that Russia pulled some troops out of southern Ukraine and back into its own territory to try to fend off the incursion, according to a Ukrainian military source, and confirms that Ukraine now controls at least 1000 square kilometres of Russian territory.
• Ukrainian army spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy said: “Russia has relocated some of its units from both Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions of Ukraine’s south."
• The Guardian notes: "While the Ukrainian operation is under tight secrecy, and its goals remain unclear, the advance brings Kyiv’s forces closer to key supply lines inside Russia supporting Russia’s ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine."