In a surprising turn of events on Russian state television, media commentator Vitaly Tretyakov acknowledged that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “working very effectively,” especially amid recent military operations in the Kursk region.
Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a “special military operation,” the war has not only persisted but evolved. Despite initial expectations of a swift victory, Ukraine’s robust defense, bolstered by Western assistance, has thwarted significant Russian advances.
This month, Ukraine executed a bold military operation in Kursk, marking the largest incursion into Russia since World War II. This shift signifies a notable change in the war dynamics, which had predominantly unfolded on Ukrainian soil.
Tretyakov praised Zelensky’s efforts, stating, “He is effectively supporting the actions of the anti-Russian Kyiv regime.” He acknowledged the effective operations of Ukrainian reconnaissance groups in Kursk, suggesting that such actions had previously not been seen on Russian territory.
As Ukrainian troops continue to advance, General Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that they made significant gains, pushing up to 1.2 miles deeper into Kursk recently. Currently, Ukraine claims control over approximately 100 settlements and has delved up to 22 miles into the region.
In response to these developments, Russia has reinforced its presence in Kursk and recently launched a significant missile and drone attack on Ukraine, including the downing of an F-16 fighter jet that Ukraine had recently acquired.
The crash, which resulted in the loss of pilot Oleksii Mes, marks the first reported incident involving the U.S.-made F-16s, of which at least six have been delivered to Ukraine from its NATO allies, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, with commitments for over 60 total.
Zelensky has been vocal about the need for allies to remove restrictions on weapon supply, emphasizing that such actions could allow Ukraine to target critical military infrastructure deep within Russia. He urged, “All our partners should be more active—much more active—in countering Russian terror,” highlighting the importance of increased support in achieving a fair resolution to the conflict.