In a significant development near the border with Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Ukrainian armed forces have successfully gained full control of the town of Sudzha in Russia's Kursk region. The incursion, which commenced on August 6, has seen Ukrainian troops encounter minimal resistance from border guards and small infantry units in their advancing operation.

Sudzha, with a pre-incursion population of approximately 5,000 inhabitants, is located merely 10 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border. Known as the center of the Sudzha district, this historic town has a rich background traced back to the 17th century, during a time of discord between Russia and Poland. Its thriving era arrived in the 19th century when Sudzha gained recognition for its renowned ceramics.

Throughout its history, Sudzha has endured both wartime devastation and periods of resilience. The town sustained severe damage during World War II as invading Nazi troops clashed with local defenders. However, it rose from the ruins and was reconstructed in subsequent years.

Aside from its historical significance, Sudzha also holds strategic importance due to its proximity to a metering station that regulates the flow of natural gas from West Siberian fields to Europe through Ukraine. Astonishingly, despite the ongoing 2 ½-year war, gas transmission to Europe has remained uninterrupted. This has allowed the Russian gas giant, Gazprom, to generate revenue, while Ukraine continues to collect transit fees.

Upon their entry into Sudzha, Ukrainian forces faced some resistance from pockets of opposition within the town. However, after days of fierce fighting, Zelenskyy confidently claimed full control of Sudzha on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the military operations.

In a bid to strengthen their hold on the region, Ukrainian authorities swiftly established a military commandant's office in Sudzha. This central coordination hub will play a pivotal role in streamlining activities in the district and ensuring the ongoing stability and security of the area.

The successful acquisition of Sudzha represents a significant advancement for the Ukrainian military in their ongoing efforts to counter potential threats along the volatile border with Russia. As tensions simmer in the region, Ukraine continues to assert its presence and protect its territorial integrity, while Russia closely monitors the developments in this highly sensitive area.