CONFLICT
Ukrainian forces seek to hold Russian positions
August 13, 2024 - Ukrainian forces are looking to solidify their gains in newly seized Russian territory, as Moscow moves reinforcements into place and confronts Kyiv’s troops with stiffer resistance.
Russian war bloggers are reporting intense battles across the Kursk front as Ukrainian forces try to expand their control, though they said Russia is bringing in soldiers and heavy weaponry and has repelled many of the Ukrainian attacks.
Sudzha, just over the border from Ukraine, has reportedly been seized by Ukraine.
Gazprom's gas metering point Sudzha is located near the town, closer to the Russian-Ukrainian border.
Around 14.65 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas was supplied via Sudzha in 2023, or about half of Russian natural gas exports to Europe, Reuters reports.
Ukrainian soldiers smashed through the Russian border a week ago in a surprise attack that Russian President Vladimir Putin said was aimed at improving Kyiv's negotiating position ahead of possible talks.