What's happened
Ukraine's military operation in Russia's Kursk region has led to the capture of over 594 Russian soldiers, primarily young conscripts. The offensive, which began on August 6, has raised questions about Russia's military strategy and the treatment of its troops, with ongoing discussions for prisoner exchanges.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for more F-16 fighter jets and training for pilots, highlighting the strategic importance of air defense in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, the Moscow Times reports that families of conscripts are increasingly concerned about their sons being deployed in combat zones, contradicting earlier assurances from President Putin that conscripts would not be sent to the front lines. Sky News provides insight into the conditions of captured Russian soldiers, noting that many were young conscripts who surrendered during the rapid advance of Ukrainian forces. This situation underscores the complexities of military engagement and the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The conflict in Ukraine has escalated since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Recent Ukrainian offensives have targeted Russian border regions, including Kursk, leading to significant military engagements and the capture of Russian soldiers, raising concerns about the use of conscripts in combat.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.