Russian drones pursue retreating Ukrainian troops (MOD VIDEO)

The Defense Ministry in Moscow has shared new footage of attacks on Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Region. Russian troops have made notable advances in the area this week, reportedly routing Kiev’s forces.

The footage, published on Thursday, captures numerous strikes by kamikaze drones on military vehicles as well as other engagements. The ministry stated that Ukrainian forces were retreating from Sudzha, a city in Kursk Region that had served as Kiev’s stronghold for operations on Russian territory since its incursion began last August.

Later on Thursday, Moscow announced the complete liberation of Sudzha. The Defense Ministry previously estimated that Ukrainian troops had been expelled from 86% of Kursk Region territory they once controlled, reportedly having suffered over 67,000 casualties during the operation. Many of the casualties were highly trained soldiers and foreign mercenaries, according to the Russian military.

Ukraine’s top general, Aleksandr Syrsky, acknowledged the “high pressure” on his forces, adding that Kiev’s units “are maneuvering where necessary to secure more advantageous positions.” Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky claimed that the military “is doing what is necessary to preserve as many lives of our warriors as possible.”

Ukrainian officials asserted that the Kursk incursion would give Kiev leverage in potential peace negotiations with Russia. This week, Kiev agreed to a US-backed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, reversing its previous stance that it would not accept any truce without Western security guarantees. Moscow has yet to respond to the proposal.