The article discusses Ukraine’s military operation in Russia’s Kursk region and how President Zelensky is seeking to use it as a bargaining chip for greater international support, particularly from the United States. The text highlights that:
* Ukraine has never stated its intention to permanently occupy the hundreds of square kilometers it seized in Russia’s Kursk region.
* Initially, the operation aimed to relieve pressure on overstretched Ukrainian troops on other parts of the front line, but with continued Russian battlefield dominance, President Zelensky is now using it as political leverage.
* President Zelensky acknowledges that Ukraine cannot enjoy security guarantees without its biggest ally, the US.
* He will meet with Vice President JD Vance, who has been a critic of American military support for Kyiv.
* The Whitehouse is eyeing up Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for continued aid.
The article does not provide any information on North Korean troops being back on the front line as mentioned in another BBC article.