The UNHCR has requested access to Russian regions affected by Ukraine’s cross-border campaign, but Russia has not granted permission despite multiple requests. In contrast, Ukraine has promised humanitarian corridors for evacuating civilians towards both Russia and Ukraine and has allowed access for international humanitarian organizations. The Ukrainian military has established control over the Russian town of Sudzha and set up a military commandant’s office in occupied Kursk to ensure order and meet the needs of the local population. Ukrainian forces are facing difficulties in the central section of Donbas oblast, where Russian forces have been advancing steadily towards strategic locations. Recent reports suggest that Russia has taken control of Ivanivka, near Pokrovsk, and heavy fighting has been reported in the area. Moreover, Ukrainian special forces captured over 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk, marking the largest group of soldiers to be captured at once since Russia’s invasion began. The prisoners are set to be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war. Overall, the situation in the region remains tense as both countries continue to be engaged in conflict.
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