Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that the country’s military has taken power. full control from the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region of Russia, near the border with Ukraine.
Here’s a look at Sudzha:
How big is Sudzha and where is it located?
The town, which had a population of about 5,000 before the war, Ukrainian invasion began on August 6, is located about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) from the border with Ukraine. It is the center of a district of the same name.
What is Sudzha known for?
Sudzha was founded in the 17th century during the struggle between Russia and Poland. It flourished in the 19th century when it became famous for its ceramics.
The city suffered extensive damage during World War II in the battle against invading Nazi forces, but was later rebuilt from the ruins.
Does Sudzha have a strategic importance?
Natural gas flowing from the gas fields of Western Siberia to Europe via Ukraine passes a metering station near the border in the Sudzha district.
Despite the 2.5-year war, gas has continued to flow into Europe, allowing Russian natural gas giant Gazprom to make money from the gas and Ukraine to collect transit fees.
How did Ukraine gain control over Suja?
Ukrainian forces swept into Suja within hours of the Aug. 6 invasion, meeting little resistance from lightly armed border guards and small infantry units along the border. Ukrainian forces encountered some resistance in Suja, where fighting continued until Thursday, when Zelenskyy claimed full control of the town.
Ukrainian authorities have set up a military command office in Sudzha, apparently with the aim of coordinating activities in the region.
