Zelensky announces control of Russian territories and urges allies to supply weapons.

In a statement that has surprised many analysts and international observers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his armed forces have gained control of nearly 100 settlements in Russian territory, particularly in the Kursk region. During a meeting with heads of Ukraine's diplomatic missions held in Dnipro, Zelensky highlighted the significant advances made by his troops, which cover over 1,250 square kilometers of enemy territory. This marks an important milestone in Ukraine's struggle against the Russian invasion, challenging prevailing expectations and perceptions regarding Ukraine's military capabilities. Zelensky emphasized that the operation in Kursk, which has resulted in numerous captures of Russian soldiers, might not have been necessary if Ukraine's Western allies had lifted restrictions on the use of long-range weapons. The Ukrainian president's words reflect a growing frustration with the lack of decisive support from international partners, whom he urged to reconsider their arms policies toward Ukraine. Zelensky's mention of "red lines" suggests that the restrictions imposed on Ukraine's military capacity are being questioned in the context of the ongoing war. The Ukrainian president argued that the disbelief surrounding the idea of conducting an incursion into Kursk was one of the factors that helped keep the operation secret until its execution. This tactical surprise has not only allowed Ukraine to take control of significant territories but has also generated an ideological shift in the war, challenging previously accepted notions about the military capabilities and strategies of both sides. Zelensky urged his diplomats to intensify efforts to convince Western powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, of the urgency of providing Ukraine with long-range weapons. In his view, the difference between advancing in the war and allowing the Russian army to continue its offensive hinges on a single decision: the supply of military capabilities that would enable Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory. In his speech, the president emphasized that Russian military bases, airfields, and other logistical facilities are legitimate targets for Ukrainian forces. This statement could mark an escalation in hostilities, as it suggests that Ukraine is willing to take the fight beyond its current borders and attack military infrastructure in enemy territory. This, in turn, could provoke a stronger response from Russia, which has already expressed its dissatisfaction with Ukrainian incursions. The situation in Kursk reflects the changing dynamics in the conflict, where Ukraine seeks not only to defend its sovereignty but also to reclaim lost ground in the face of Russian advances. Ukraine's ability to conduct operations in enemy territory demonstrates an evolution in its military tactics and an improvement in its logistics and coordination on the battlefield. However, success in Kursk also carries risks, as it could incite Russia to escalate its own military response. Meanwhile, Zelensky's announcement has generated mixed reactions in the international community. Some analysts view this as a turning point in the conflict that could lead to a reassessment of support strategies for Ukraine. Others, however, warn that such an escalation could have unpredictable consequences, both for Ukraine and for European security as a whole. In conclusion, the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk highlights Ukraine's determination to defend its territory and challenge expectations in a conflict that has lasted more than a year. Zelensky's call to his allies to reconsider their arms policies suggests that Ukraine is at a critical juncture, where every decision can have significant repercussions not only on the battlefield but also in international politics as a whole. As the war progresses, the approach of allies toward Ukraine could determine the course of this conflict and the future of security in Europe.