By Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had successfully taken full control of the Russian town of Sudzha.
This marks a significant achievement for Ukraine, as Sudzha becomes the largest population center to fall under Ukrainian control since the commencement of the cross-border offensive earlier this month.
Despite having a prewar population of around 5,000 people, Sudzha holds considerable strategic value. Located in Russia’s Kursk region, Sudzha serves as the administrative hub for the area.
It is larger than any of the other small towns and settlements that Ukrainian forces have taken since the start of their cross-border incursion on August 6.
Sudzha plays a crucial role in the flow of Russian natural gas to Europe. The town houses a measuring station for Russian gas that travels through
Ukrainian pipelines, supplying about 3% of Europe’s total gas imports. Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian officials have assured that there has been no disruption to gas flow through Sudzha, a factor vital to Europe’s energy stability.
In his statement, President Zelenskyy hinted at Ukraine’s long-term plans for Sudzha. A Ukrainian military command office is reportedly being established in the town, suggesting Ukraine may have a sustained presence in Russia’s Kursk region.
While Zelenskyy did not elaborate on the office’s specific functions, he emphasized that humanitarian aid would be provided to the residents of Sudzha, underscoring Ukraine’s intent to assist civilians in areas under their control.
The capture of Sudzha represents a significant milestone for Ukraine in its ongoing offensive. By securing control of the town, Ukrainian forces gain both a strategic foothold and a critical point of leverage over Russia, particularly with regards to its energy supplies to Europe. As Ukraine consolidates its gains, all eyes will be on the continued progress of this cross-border operation.
