Putin aims to push Ukrainian troops from Kursk region before Trump’s inauguration — Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin has tasked the Russian military command with pushing Ukrainian Defense Forces out of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation by January 20, 2025, the date set for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

The head of state made this statement during the 3rd International Conference on Food Security Grain From Ukraine, Rubryka reports, citing Suspilne.

"For Putin, the most important goal is to push us out of the Kursk region. All these stories, these demonstration strikes with new missiles—none of it is random. This is his task. I am confident he wants to achieve this by January 20 next year. It is crucial for him to show that he controls a situation he clearly does not control," Zelensky stated.

The President emphasized that Ukraine's operation in the Kursk region exposed Moscow's inability to defend its own territories, as it has concentrated its forces on occupying Ukrainian lands.

"And so, the most difficult situation is where it ought to be—the most difficult situation is in Donbas, in the East of our country. He [Putin] wants to show that he will achieve the so-called goals of his 'special military operation,' to occupy the entire Donbas. At the same time, he needs to push us out of the Kursk direction. These are his two main objectives. Consequently, we face challenges: difficulties in the East. Yes, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are not numerous enough there. Yes, our units face understaffing due to various factors, including slow aid deliveries," Zelensky explained.

Despite these challenges, the President stressed that Ukrainian Defense Forces are standing firm.

"What matters most is that our troops are 'there,' defending their homeland," he said, adding that Russia's military is suffering significant losses in the Kursk direction.

"[As for Putin,] he has never faced such heavy losses. One of our intercepted communications in the Kursk direction revealed that he is sending personal requests through his command, emphasizing that the entire fate of the so-called 'special military operation' depends on the Kursk operation," Zelensky revealed.