The Pentagon has been discussing Ukraine's long-term objectives in Kursk Oblast, where Ukraine’s defence forces have demonstrated "creativity and battlefield prowess", Ukrinform and Radio Liberty report, citing Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder.
"We're continuing to have the discussions with the Ukrainians in terms of their focus," Ryder states.
General Ryder reiterated that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned the operation in Kursk Oblast was conducted to create a buffer zone.
"So we're having those conversations to learn more about what their [Ukrainian] objectives are," Ryder added.
He once again said that the United States remains focused on ensuring Ukraine's ability to remain a free and sovereign country capable of deterring future Russian aggression.
Ryder assured that the US will continue to support Ukraine in the long term.
"As it relates to their operation in Kursk, as I mentioned, they [Ukraine's defence forces] clearly have compelled the Russians to struggle in their response. It has certainly demonstrated the creativity and the battlefield prowess of the Ukrainians. But when it comes to what their longer term objectives are here, that's something that we're still discussing with them," Ryder says.
Ryder confirmed that Russia has deployed "a small number of forces into Kursk, the Kursk region, to respond".
He emphasised that "Russia has really struggled to respond… and you continue to see some Ukrainian advances in that regard".
Meanwhile, the Pentagon representative reiterated that the policy regarding the use of US-provided long-range strike capabilities for attacks deep into Russia has not changed. He noted that he would not delve into the details of Ukraine's choice of military assets and personnel in conducting its operations.
