In the Ukrainian-controlled Russian city of Suja, Kursk Oblast, the blockaded Russians wonder what to do next. They thank the fighters of the Ukrainian armed forces for their good attitude and ask for a “peaceful agreement”, writes The Washington Post.
It is noted that the publication's reporters visited the occupied territory and did not see any evidence that the Ukrainian military looted or attacked civilians.
„The way Ukrainian troops operate in this territory and treat the people who live there confirms official statements that Ukraine sees the goal of its offensive not as conquest with a view to long-term annexation, but rather as a negotiating tactic...For the forces on the ground and many people in Ukraine, the invasion is seen as a vital tactic to prevent Putin's attempts to freeze the war to the detriment of Ukraine”, the article said.
Russians interviewed in Suja said they were treated well and did not know of any residents killed, but still wanted their town back under Russian control. Despite the war raging right next to the Ukrainian border, they never thought it would reach them. "We didn't even think about it," said one of the Russians. Another said that Putin should come to an agreement with Zelensky as everyone wants to return home and “so that everything is resolved in a good way”. “We want peace and harmony, we don't need anything else,” said another Russian woman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the surprise Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk region was aimed at creating a buffer zone there to prevent further Russian attacks across the border. "Now our main task in defensive operations is to reduce Russia's military potential as much as possible and to take maximum counteroffensive actions. This includes creating a buffer zone on the territory of the aggressor - with our operation in the Kursk region," Zelensky said.