MOSCOW — Ukrainian forces have established a military administration in the Russian Kursk region, according to Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The announcement was made on Friday during a videoconference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by the Ukrainian General Staff.

Syrskyi revealed that Maj. Gen. Eduard Moskalev has been appointed head of the new military office. He also reported that Ukrainian troops had made advances of one to three kilometers in various locations along the frontlines in the Kursk region, where fighting continues.

The conflict is currently centered near the village of Malaya Loknya in the Sudzha district. Syrskyi expressed optimism about capturing a significant number of prisoners to add to Ukraine's prisoner exchange fund.

Kyiv's incursion into the Kursk region began on the night of August 5-6, with Ukrainian forces entering near Sudzha. On August 12, President Zelenskyy confirmed the operation, though he did not disclose its specific objectives.

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has reported the evacuation of approximately 9,500 people from the combat zone. Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the incursion, describing it as a "terrorist attack." — Agencies