Defense forces in Kursk are holding back 50,000 Russian soldiers.

Ukrainian Defense Forces operating in Russia's Kursk region are holding back 50,000 Russian troops. This was reported on Monday, November 11, by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

During his evening address, the president highlighted the soldiers stationed in the Kursk direction. According to him, a significant number of occupiers are unable to be redirected to other fronts due to the Ukrainian Armed Forces' resistance in Kursk.

“Our guys are holding back a considerable grouping of Russian troops – 50,000 personnel of the occupying army, who, thanks to the Kursk operation, cannot be sent to other strike directions of Russia on our territory. We greatly appreciate the bravery of all our warriors, every unit involved in these battles,” – stated Volodymyr Zelensky.

The president also acknowledged everyone involved in strikes on Russian arsenals, bases, and rear positions. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian strikes have reduced the amount of artillery being used against Ukraine by the Russians. Recall that on November 10, the Defense Forces' drones hit depots and a military unit in Bryansk, as well as attacked Moscow.

“That is why we need long-range solutions from our partners – from America, from Britain, from Germany. This is absolutely essential. The further our existing missiles and drones can strike, the less real combat power Russia will have,” – the president reported.

As a reminder, on November 6, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that in Kursk, the Russians have lost 20,842 soldiers killed and wounded, as well as:

• 54 tanks;
• 276 armored fighting vehicles;
• 107 artillery pieces and mortars;
• five multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS);
• 659 units of automotive equipment.

As of November 5, the Armed Forces of Ukraine also captured 717 Russians. According to preliminary data from Oleksandr Syrskyi, Russia has concentrated 45,000 soldiers in the Kursk direction and is attempting to increase this number to push the Defense Forces out of their territory.