Russian forces have begun an assault on the town of Sudzha, the main population center in the Kursk region that was captured by Ukraine last year, a top Russian commander said on Tuesday. The advance puts Moscow on the verge of ending the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II.

Russia is preparing for an offensive on Sudzha. Russian troops have advanced in several directions, according to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russian troops are strengthening their positions in the Kursk region and are likely preparing to attack Sudzha in the coming days.