Categories: WAR NEWS

Fierce battles for Sudzha: Ukraine does not confirm retreat

As reported by Gazeta.ua, the Russian army launched massive airstrikes on the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region, effectively destroying it.

This was stated by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

According to him, there are almost no surviving civilian buildings left, and fighting continues on the outskirts of the city.

This information was confirmed by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. He noted that Russian aviation carried out an unprecedented number of strikes on its own territory, subjecting Sudzha to devastating bombardment.

In its morning briefing on March 13, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Ukrainian forces repelled 17 attacks in the Kursk region. The enemy carried out 334 artillery strikes, including 12 from multiple launch rocket systems, and 29 airstrikes using 33 guided bombs.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have taken control of Sudzha. However, as of 14:30 on March 13, the Ukrainian side has not confirmed the withdrawal of its forces from the city.

The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that geolocation data indicates the advancement of Russian forces towards Zaoleshchenka, located northwest of Sudzha. At the same time, on the evening of March 12, Oleksandr Syrskyi assured that intense fighting continues in the suburbs and surrounding areas.

The OSINT community DeepState also refuted reports of a complete withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Sudzha. According to their data, fierce battles are still ongoing on the northern and western outskirts of the city.

“Reports are spreading about a full withdrawal from the city, which does not reflect reality. Those sharing such claims should look at the map more carefully and consider the presence of a gray zone in the Sudzha area,” DeepState noted.

As of 14:30 on March 13, ISW and DeepStateMAP analysts have not updated their assessments regarding the situation in the city.

Russian forces have captured Sudzha in the Kursk region and are engaged in combat with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in border villages of the Sumy region. The Russian army is likely attempting to create a buffer zone near the Russia-Ukraine border.

Geolocated footage published on March 12 suggests that Russian forces recently seized Sudzha and advanced towards the southern district of Zaoleshchenske (northwest of Sudzha). A source linked to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) reported that Ukrainian forces have begun withdrawing from Sudzha.

Ukraine Front Lines