Today there are a lot of updates from the Kursk direction.Here, in a bold and strategic maneuver, Ukrainian forces have successfully encircled several key settlements, effectively isolating substantial Russian troop formations and setting the stage for intense clashes. As the encirclement tightens, the trapped Russian forces face the prospect of imminent Ukrainian offensives, some of which have already resulted in devastating losses for the Russians.Recently, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky revealed a map during a televised session of the Ukrainian Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, showcasing the current front line in Kursk Oblast. Notably, Syrsky’s map substantiated earlier speculations, highlighting several “cauldrons” where Russian troops are effectively surrounded and cut off from their supply lines.One of the most notorious “cauldrons” has formed north of Sudzha, near Malaya Loknya, marking a significant tactical victory for Ukrainian forces. In the early stages of the Kursk incursion, Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance units executed a deep penetration into Russian-held territory, advancing over 15 kilometers north of Malaya Loknya along the road to Lgov. This swift and decisive maneuver was crucial in encircling the Russian forces. The unexpected speed and depth of the Ukrainian advance caught the Russian troops off guard, leading to the entrapment of a substantial number of Russian units in Malaya Loknya at the very outset of the offensive, paving the way for their prolonged isolation.Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups effectively employed ambush tactics along key routes, preventing Russian forces from regrouping or escaping the area. These strategic actions were crucial in maintaining the isolation of the encircled Russian units, cutting off any potential reinforcements or escape routes. As a result of this sustained isolation, most of the trapped Russian forces were either annihilated in combat or forced to surrender. However, unlike other encircled Russian troops, those in Malaya Loknya have managed to hold out much longer. Their prolonged resistance can be attributed to their use of the former women’s penal colony as a fortified stronghold. The prison complex’s robust infrastructure has provided significant defensive advantages, enabling these forces to resist far longer than others in similar situations.Recent reconnaissance data confirms that Ukrainian forces have successfully secured critical terrain features and transportation routes in all directions surrounding Malaya Loknya. This thorough control of the flanks has established a multi-layered defense system, effectively stifling any potential Russian breakout attempts.Recently published geolocated images reveal intense Ukrainian assaults on the surrounded Russian forces in the area. The images capture the prison pavilions in the background while a German-made BMP “Marder” infantry fighting vehicle from the 95th Air Assault Brigade unleashes a powerful attack on two auxiliary buildings adjacent to the prison fences. The Marder’s 20-millimeter autocannon obliterates these structures, reducing them to ashes. Another video, also filmed near the prison, shows Marder vehicles utterly destroying several nearby buildings, further tightening the noose around the beleaguered Russian troops. The original, uncensored combat footage of this operation can be found on our Telegram channel through the link in the description.However, this was only the beginning. Ukrainian forces are now establishing a second, potentially even more devastating, cauldron just twelve kilometers east of the first one. Russian military analysts report that Ukrainian troops are encircling Russian forces in Martynovka. A glance at the topographic map reveals Martynovka’s strategic significance: situated just 5 kilometers northwest of Sudzha on elevated ground, it sits at the foot of the R200 highway—a crucial artery for troop movements and logistical supplies.Securing the front line beyond Martynovka is a critical priority. If this position were to fall into Russian hands, the defense of Sudzha would be severely compromised. Martynovka’s elevated location, proximity to Sudzha, and access to a key logistical supply route make it a strategic linchpin that could greatly enhance Russian control over the area.Ukrainian forces have advanced to encircle…