Russia Claims Capture of Sudja as Fighting Intensifies in Kursk Region

 Moscow, March 14, 2025 – The Kremlin announced on Thursday the recapture of Sudja, a town of 4,000 inhabitants in Russia’s Kursk region, previously held by Ukrainian forces. This marks a significant gain for Moscow in its ongoing efforts to reassert control over territories occupied by Ukraine since mid-2024.

Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov stated on March 11 that Russian forces had regained control of more than 86% of the area seized by Kyiv, approximately 1,500 square kilometers. The subsequent claim of Sudja’s recapture on March 13 underscores Russia’s growing territorial advances in the region.

“The situation in the Kursk region is obviously very difficult,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged on Friday, March 14. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukrainian troops in the area to lay down their arms, reinforcing Moscow’s strategic objectives.

Military Advancements and Tactical Maneuvers

Analysts note an escalation in Russian military activity in the southeast of Sudja, with advances pressing westward into what has been described as the "Kursk pocket."

Olivier Kempf, a senior researcher at the Foundation for Strategic Research, noted a notable increase in Russian offensives over the past month. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russian forces had intensified operations in Kursk from March 6, coinciding with Washington’s temporary suspension of military aid to Ukraine—a decision that was later reversed.

The Ukrainian military blog DeepState reported on March 7 that Russian troops were pushing towards Basivka, a move intended to sever Kyiv’s logistical supply lines. The H07 highway, a key military transit route for Ukrainian forces, has reportedly been under sustained Russian artillery and drone strikes for over two weeks, further complicating Ukraine’s ability to reinforce the front lines.

Strategic Retreat and Western Uncertainty

Ukraine’s operational challenges have been exacerbated by uncertainties surrounding Western support, particularly following the temporary suspension of U.S. intelligence sharing.

"The Russians are exerting maximum pressure on our troops," Zelensky told reporters, emphasizing that Ukraine’s military leadership is prioritizing the preservation of its forces.

Military analysts argue that Kyiv’s strategy reflects a broader reallocation of resources, particularly toward defensive efforts in Donetsk, even as Russia bolsters its own operational capabilities within its borders.

According to Jeff Hawn, a lecturer at American University, the suspension of U.S. intelligence support likely accelerated Ukraine’s deteriorating position in Kursk. “Without access to U.S. intelligence, Ukrainian forces were unable to conduct deep strikes using HiMARS and other long-range systems,” he explained.

Pipeline Tactics and Propaganda War

One of the defining moments of Russia’s offensive was its use of a gas pipeline near Sudja to launch a surprise attack. Videos circulated on pro-Russian Telegram channels showing troops advancing under cover of darkness along the pipeline route.

A Russian commander described the maneuver as decisive, claiming, "The tactics proved their worth. The front line collapsed, and in a matter of days, we entered Sudja."

Russian state media has since hailed the operation as “audacious and brilliant”, with some commentators suggesting it will be "remembered in military history."

However, Ukrainian airborne assault forces countered the narrative, claiming on March 8 to have "detected, blocked, and destroyed" Russian troops attempting to exploit the pipeline route. Footage released by Ukrainian forces purportedly shows Russian casualties resulting from the engagement.

Putin’s Symbolic Visit to the Front

The strategic importance of Kursk was further underscored by Putin’s visit to the region, marking his first appearance on the front lines since Ukrainian forces entered the area in 2024. Clad in military fatigues, Putin reaffirmed his commitment to the complete liberation of Kursk, signaling both domestic resolve and a message to Western powers.

Tatiana Kastouéva-Jean, director of the Russia-Eurasia Center at Ifri, described the move as a calculated gesture aimed at “radical nationalist factions in Russia who oppose any premature peace settlement with Ukraine.”

“This is a signal of Russian determination,” Kempf added, “but it also serves as a warning to the West—negotiations may be underway, but the war is far from over.”

The Broader Geopolitical Context

The intensification of fighting in Kursk comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations led by the United States and Saudi Arabia. On March 11, U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky discussed a proposal for a 30-day truce, a move that Putin tentatively agreed to on March 13—pending specific conditions.

However, analysts suggest that Moscow’s recent gains will shape its negotiating leverage.

“Russia wants to eliminate this Ukrainian foothold before any ceasefire,” Kempf explained. “By doing so, Moscow ensures that Kursk does not become a bargaining chip in any future peace talks.”

As the situation continues to develop, the conflict in Kursk serves as a stark reminder that, despite diplomatic efforts, the battlefield remains the ultimate arbiter of geopolitical realities.