Ukraine War Update: Zelenskyy Slams Putin for War Prolongation Amid Russian Military Buildup

Day 1,118 of the Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately prolonging the war and spreading misinformation about the situation in Russia’s Kursk region. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Zelenskyy asserted that Putin was "lying to everyone" about the reality on the ground, particularly regarding ongoing battles in Kursk.

Fighting in Kursk and the Threat to Sumy

Zelenskyy maintained that Ukrainian troops continue to resist Russian and North Korean forces in Kursk, contradicting Russian claims that Kyiv’s forces are encircled in the region. Instead, he warned that Moscow is amassing troops near the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, potentially preparing for another offensive.

“The buildup of Russian forces indicates that Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy,” Zelenskyy said. “It is clear that Russia is prolonging the war.”

Russian Gains in Kursk

According to Russia’s defense ministry, Russian forces successfully recaptured the villages of Rubanshchina and Zaoleshenka in the Kursk region on Saturday. This follows an earlier announcement on Thursday that Russian troops had regained full control of the town of Sudzha, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat.

Diplomatic Implications

The continued hostilities and Moscow’s reported military buildup suggest that any near-term ceasefire efforts remain unlikely. Zelenskyy’s statements highlight Ukraine’s growing concerns over Russia’s refusal to engage in diplomatic resolutions and its continued military escalation.

As the war enters its 1,118th day, the international community remains watchful of developments, particularly regarding Moscow’s next moves in Sumy and beyond.