Ukraine controls 82 communities and 1,150 square kilometers in the Russian border region of Kursk, Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Shirsky said today, on the ninth day of an unprecedentedly large-scale Ukrainian offensive on Russian soil.

“In total, since the start of operations in the Kursk region, our troops have advanced to a depth of 35 kilometers,” the officer said during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“We have taken control of 1,150 square kilometers of land and 82 communities,” he added, describing the situation as “under control.”

In addition, Oleksandr Shirki said that Ukraine installed a military command in the Russian region of Kursk.

According to the BBC, British tanks are also involved in the operation of the Ukrainian forces inside Russian territory. Russia had warned against this possibility, stressing that it would consider it a direct act of war by NATO against it.

An indication of the intention of the Ukrainian forces to settle in for the long term, this military structure is charged with current affairs and with the logistical support of the army, as well as with guaranteeing security in a given zone.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today that his forces have taken full control of the Russian city of Sunja, in the Kursk region, the scene of a surprise attack by Kiev’s forces for a week.

Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr “Syrsky reported the completion of the liberation of the city of Sunja from the hands of Russian military” forces, Zelensky said on Telegram.

This town of 5,500 inhabitants represents the main conquest of Ukrainian forces in their offensive in the Kursk region.