Volodymyr Selenskyj said that the invasion of Ukrainian forces into Russia’s Kursk Oblast was proceeding according to plan and that the Ukrainian base there was “get stronger.” However, the president said Ukraine could do more if Western partners allowed it.

The President noted this in his evening address, which was published on the official website of the President of Ukraine.

Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is doing everything possible to provide its soldiers with the necessary weapons and reinforcements. In this context, however, he called on Western partners to remove all obstacles to the Ukrainian armed forces.

“It is undoubtedly important for us that our partners remove the obstacles that prevent us from weakening the Russian positions, as the course of the war requires. The long-range capabilities of our armed forces are the answer to all the important, all the most strategic questions of this war,” he said.

Selenskyj stressed “The courage of our warriors, the resilience of our combat brigades are currently compensating for the lack of necessary decisions by our partners. And we could effectively deprive the occupier of any opportunity to advance and wreak havoc if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.”

Ukraine’s position in Kursk is getting stronger

In addition, Zelenskyy spoke about Ukrainian hostilities currently taking place in Kursk Oblast. He said that “The operation is going exactly as expected. The courage of the Ukrainians is achieving great things. Now we are strengthening our positions. Our presence is getting stronger and stronger.”‘

He also thanked all units working to include Russian prisoners of war in the Ukrainian prisoner exchange pool.

“This is important. It speeds up the release of our soldiers and civilians from Russian captivity. We remember all those we have to bring home,” said Zelensky.

Earlier, on August 17, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces pointed out that Ukraine’s recent surprise attack in Russia’s Kursk Oblast had revealed significant weaknesses in the Russian armed forces. Russia has not yet recovered from Ukraine’s incursion, which is demonstrated by the inability of the armed forces to launch a serious counterattack in the region.

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