Ukrainian Forces Almost Completely Withdrawn From Russia’s Kursk Region
Ukrainian mercenary captured in Kursk, March 2025. X/ @SMO_VZ
March 18, 2025 Hour: 1:31 pm
Meanwhile, Zelensky arrived in Helsinki to meet with PM Stubb and discuss the modalities of Finnish support for Ukraine.
On Tuesday, the Interfax news agency reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have almost completely withdrawn from Russia’s western Kursk region.
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The pause in the provision of intelligence data to Ukraine by the United States has impacted the effectiveness of the Ukrainian army, the report said, adding other factors influencing developments in the Kursk region include interruptions to Ukraine’s supply routes. Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said that Ukraine’s military operation in the Kursk region is ongoing.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Finland, where he is scheduled to meet on Wednesday with Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.
“Military support, investments in Ukrainian arms production, Ukraine’s European integration. Finland’s experience in developing a civil protection system and building shelters. Strengthening sanctions against Russia and coordinating efforts to end the war in a dignified manner,” Zelensky said upon his arrival in Finland, announcing the topics he will discuss.
In the context of U.S.-led efforts to end the war, the Ukrainian president added that “Europe must be at the negotiating table” and stated that “everything concerning Europe’s security must be decided together with Europe.”
On Wednesday, the visit will begin tomorrow with a welcoming ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, where formal talks will also take place, focusing on Finland’s support for Ukraine. At a time when several countries, led by the United Kingdom and France, are considering sending troops to Ukraine in the event of a potential ceasefire, Finland has ruled out such a move.
On March 2, during a visit to London, Stubb stated that Finland and other countries bordering Russia would not send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if a ceasefire is reached, as their responsibility is to defend their own borders. However, he noted that they could contribute to peace in other ways.
“The United Kingdom and France have committed to maintaining some form of troop presence in Ukraine. But the countries that share a border with Russia have the responsibility of defending NATO along that border, so their contributions will be different,” he said.
At the end of the talks, the two presidents will hold a joint press conference. The discussions will then continue with the participation of representatives from the defense industry. Zelensky’s program in the Finnish capital will also include meetings with the Speaker of Parliament, Jussi Halla-aho, and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. In the afternoon, Stubb and Zelensky will meet with students at the University of Helsinki, where both presidents will take part in a debate.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: EFE – Xinhua
