**Ukrainian Troops Regroup in Kursk Oblast, Deny Encirclement Claims**
The Ukrainian General Staff has denied claims that their troops are surrounded by Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast region. The General Staff said Russia‘s reports of encirclement were “for political purposes” and to put pressure on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also confirmed that the Kursk operation has completed its task, and the situation near Pokrovsk has been stabilized.
**Russian Gas Facilities and Missile Depot Hit by Ukrainian Drones**
Ukrainian drones launched by the Security Service (SBU) have struck Russian gas compressor stations in the Tambov and Saratov oblasts. The strikes also targeted a missile depot near the village of Radkovka, causing a detonation of stored ammunition.
A source claimed that the SBU conducted a successful special operation, causing significant damage to Russia’s budget and reducing its ability to finance and sustain the war.
**Tuapse Oil Refinery Hit by Ukrainian Drones**
Ukrainian drones have struck the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, setting fire to a gasoline storage tank. The region’s governor reported that there were no casualties, but emergency services are working to extinguish the blaze.
**Putin Still Seeks Control Over Ukraine Despite US Peace Efforts**
According to US intelligence reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin still seeks control over Ukraine despite US efforts to broker a ceasefire. Sources close to the classified reports said Putin remains determined to assert power over Kyiv and restore “Mother Russia.”
Some officials believe that even if Russia agrees to a temporary truce, Moscow will use the pause to rearm, violate the agreement, and create provocations to blame on Ukraine.
**Ukraine and US Discuss Fate of Russian-Occupied Territories**
President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that discussions about the fate of Ukraine’s Russian-occupied territories were held with the US during talks in Saudi Arabia earlier this week. However, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not recognize any occupied territories as part of Russia under a potential future peace agreement.
The American side discussed specific details, including control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in occupied Enerhodar.