**Russia Retakes Key Ukrainian Stronghold**
Russian forces have taken back control of Sudzha, a town in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This was claimed by the Russian Defense Ministry on March 13.
The Ukrainian military had captured Sudzha at the start of an incursion into Russia last August. The town has around 6,000 residents and is just 10 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
Military analysts say that Ukraine may be withdrawing from the area. This comes as Russia advances quickly in the region, taking back much of the territory it had lost to Ukraine in mid-2024.
**Russia Takes Control of More Territory**
According to Russian reports, more than 86% of the territory in Kursk Oblast captured by Ukraine has been retaken by Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry also claims to have taken control of two other settlements: Melovoi and Podol.
Ukraine’s military leaders acknowledge that things are tough in the region but say they will hold their defenses as long as necessary.