In a startling turn of events, Ukraine has launched a surprise attack into Russian territory, capturing land and taking Russian prisoners of war. This unexpected incursion, which comes as Ukraine continues to suffer losses in the eastern region, could potentially alter the trajectory of the ongoing conflict.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a strategic move by quietly deploying Ukrainian forces into Russia, as they continue to lose ground to Russian troops in the east. The operation, closely monitored by Post correspondents, has resulted in the capture of Russian soldiers by Ukrainian forces. This bold move has taken many by surprise and raises questions about the motives behind Ukraine's decision to venture into Russian territory.

Further reports from The Post, in collaboration with Ukrainian forces, have shed light on the situation in the captured Russian town of Sudzha in western Russia. The state of the town and its residents, now under Ukrainian control, remains uncertain.

To gain insights into Ukraine's motivations and the potential consequences of this incursion, our host Martine Powers speaks with Isabelle Khurshudyan, The Post's Ukraine bureau chief based in Kyiv. Khurshudyan explains the rationale behind Ukraine's advancement into Russia, highlighting the persisting challenges they face in the eastern region. She also discusses Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to these developments and the potential impact on the people living in the newly occupied area of Russia.

As this unexpected turn of events unfolds, the incursion into Russian territory marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The captured land and prisoners of war will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the war and potentially influence the actions of both sides in the coming days. The international community closely watches as these developments take place, eagerly awaiting further information regarding the consequences of Ukraine's surprise move.