Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country's forces have taken control of 74 settlements in the western Russian region of Kursk, Ednews informs referring to NHK World Japan.

The Ukrainian military launched an incursion into Kursk on August 6. Ukraine claims that about 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory is now under its control.

On August 13, Zelenskyy wrote on social media, "Despite difficult and intense battles, our forces continue to advance in the Kursk region."

He also said he is constantly in touch with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, and "Preparations for our next steps continue." Zelenskyy, however, did not elaborate on the "next steps."

A Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters on August 13 that Ukraine is not interested in taking territory in Kursk, but that it wants to protect the lives of its people.

The official stressed that the cross-border operation is aimed at protecting Ukraine from Russian strikes launched from Kursk, and not allowing Russia to deploy additional units to Ukraine's eastern region of Donetsk where fierce fighting continues.