### Ukraine Holds Firm in Kursk Region Amid Russian Counterattacks, Zelensky Confirms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Saturday that recent Russian efforts to reclaim Ukrainian-controlled sectors in the Kursk region had been repelled. Despite pressure from Moscow, Ukrainian forces maintained their positions.

Since early August, Ukraine has held significant portions of Russia's Kursk region. "Regarding the Kursk operation, there were attempts by Russia to push back our positions, but we are holding the lines," Zelensky stated in his address. The comment came after Russia's declaration earlier in the week that it had retaken two villages in the region and its vow to further dislodge Ukrainian forces.

Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine's ongoing offensive in Kursk aims to establish a buffer zone to prevent shelling of Ukrainian border areas. Meanwhile, he acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by Ukrainian troops in the eastern Donetsk region and southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Adding to the turmoil, Kyiv reported that Russian attacks on Saturday resulted in the deaths of two individuals in the Donetsk region: a 19-year-old civilian in a car and an 84-year-old pensioner.

In other developments, The Moscow Times revealed that its operations are under severe threat after being designated as an "undesirable" organization by Russia's Prosecutor General's Office, a move that endangers the publication and its staff. Despite these adversities, The Moscow Times pledges to continue its commitment to independent journalism and has called for public support to sustain its efforts against repressive actions.

Overall, the situation remains tense as both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to struggle for control in contested regions, with significant implications for regional stability.