Ukraine Captures Russian Town with Gas Pipe Network, Zelensky Says

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says Kyiv troops captured the Russian town of Sudzha in Kursk region.

If confirmed, it would be the largest town Ukraine has taken control of to date in the conflict.

Before the war, Sudzha was home to approximately 5,000 residents.

The town plays a crucial role in energy transit, as pipelines carrying natural gas from West Siberian fields run through Sudzha, crossing into Ukraine’s gas system.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to establish a military command office in Sudzha, although he did not provide further details regarding its specific purpose or functions.

The veracity of these claims has yet to be independently confirmed.

Russia did not immediately respond to Zelensky’s statement, but its defense ministry said earlier Thursday that Russian forces had blocked attempts to take several other communities, The Associated Press reported.

There was no indication of any disruption of the gas flow through Sudzha, which accounts for about 3% of Europe’s imports.