In a significant development, Moscow stands on the brink of reclaiming the entirety of the Kursk pocket, previously under Ukrainian control. This comes as the Red Army has seized control of the city of Sudzha, causing rapid retreat among Ukrainian forces.
Back in August, the Ukrainian army made a daring advance into Russian territory within the Kursk region. Despite the negligible strategic gain, this move was seen as a symbolic victory by the Ukrainian forces. However, the cost was high, as numerous troops were dispatched to defend this position when they could have been more effectively utilized along the extensive 600-mile frontline.
Now, consensus among the mainstream media, Russian, and Ukrainian sources suggests that the Ukrainian foothold in Russia is nearing its end. The Red Army’s success in capturing 12 settlements within just 24 hours, including Sudzha, marks a pivotal moment.
According to Reuters, Ukrainian forces appeared poised to lose their hard-fought position in Russia’s Kursk region. With Moscow’s advancing forces and reports of Ukrainian withdrawal from both sides, the situation is deteriorating rapidly for Kiev’s troops.
Reuters verified footage shared by Russian bloggers and state media, showing Russian troops proudly raising their national flag in Sudzha, a crucial town near the Ukrainian border, which served as an essential supply route.
(2/7) RUSSIAN FLAG IN SUDZHA
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt)
March 25, 2025
Ukrainian military blogger Skadovskyi Defender shared on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are exiting Kursk, anticipating a complete withdrawal by Friday.
THE UKRAINIAN KURSK POCKET COLLAPSES FURTHER! The Ukrainian army ran from Sudzha! Sudzha was the pride of their conquest on Russian territory. All the alleged trump cards that Zelensky may thought to had, are gone!
— MyLordBebo (@MyLordBebo)
March 25, 2025
Sputnik reports that the Sudzha gas station, a once vital route for Russian gas to Europe, has become the only available transit point following the closure of the Sokhranovka station. Ukraine’s attack on Sudzha appears aimed at severing Europe’s access to Russian gas. The closure of the Druzhba pipeline on January 1 significantly impacted the station, allowing Russian forces to strategically maneuver through the pipeline, catching Ukrainians off guard.
The strategic use of the pipeline to advance Russian forces behind Ukrainian lines hastened the collapse of the Ukrainian position in Kursk. This innovative military tactic underscores a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to reclaim the region.
Ukrainian army took heavy losses during the retreat from Sudzha
— MyLordBebo (@MyLordBebo)
March 25, 2025
As Ukrainian forces abandoned Sudzha, they left without any potential strongholds to regroup in the Kursk region. What initially seemed like a bold maneuver has now turned into a stark failure for Kiev.
For further analysis, read more on the potential 30-day truce proposal by the US and Ukraine and its implications for the conflict: Will Russia Agree to the 30-Day Truce Proposal by the US and Ukraine?
