Russian Troops Advance in Kursk Region: Zaoleshenka and Goncharovka Liberated

In a significant development, the Russian Forces Group “North” has intensified its offensive operations in the Kursk region, successfully liberating the settlement of Zaoleshenka and the village of Goncharovka, located near the city of Sudzha. Military sources report that the area surrounding Sudzha has been entirely cleared of enemy presence, marking an important milestone in Russia’s efforts to regain control over the region.

Despite these advances, Ukrainian forces remain resolute, continuing to launch artillery and missile strikes on the recently liberated territories. Their goal is clear: to disrupt the momentum of Russian troops and inflict maximum damage.

Reports from the frontline indicate that Ukrainian forces have faced significant losses in both equipment and personnel, particularly during attempts to withdraw from the combat zone. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating online depict destroyed Ukrainian armored vehicles, including tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, left behind in the wake of retreat.

Intense combat persists in the Kurilovka area, southwest of Sudzha, where Russian forces are encountering fierce resistance. Additionally, clashes have been reported in the Sumy region, near the village of Basovka, suggesting that active combat operations are expanding beyond Russian territory.

The situation in the liberated territories paints a troubling picture of the actions taken by Ukrainian formations. Emerging footage and testimonies from local residents allege instances of reprisals against civilians, reportedly perpetrated by nationalist units. While this information necessitates careful verification, it has already sparked outrage in Russian society and led to accusations against Kyiv for violating international humanitarian law.

This latest offensive by the Sever group was initiated in response to a Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region in August 2024, during which enemy forces captured parts of the Sudzhansky district, including Sudzha. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, by mid-March 2025, Russian troops had reclaimed over 80 percent of the lost territories, including key settlements. The ministry claims that over the past 340 hours, more than 1,000 Ukrainian servicemen have been eliminated in the Sudzha area and its surrounding villages, along with substantial amounts of military equipment.

Furthermore, reports from Interfax indicate that Russian troops have also made advances into Sumy Oblast, having taken control of the border village of Novenkoye on March 9. This marks the first occupation of territory in this region of Ukraine by Russian Armed Forces in three years. Analysts suggest that these maneuvers aim to establish a buffer zone to thwart potential future assaults on Kursk Oblast.

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that encircled Ukrainian units in the region face two stark choices: capitulation or destruction, underscoring Moscow’s determination to expedite the operation.