Ukrainian forces are fleeing the strategic region of Kursk after Russia took the city of Sudzha in a lightning offensive. In August, Ukraine launched the first invasion of Russia since World War II, rapidly seizing roughly 386 square miles centered on the city of Sudzha.

Russian officials have predicted the country will swiftly recapture the rest of its western Kursk region from Ukrainian troops, who grabbed a foothold there last August and have clung on for more than seven months in one of the key battles of the war.

Amid Russia’s rapid advance in its western Kursk region, Ukrainian troops have fully withdrawn from Sudzha — the only city they held there. Analysts say Ukraine is conducting an organized retreat and Russian forces are reclaiming territory with little to no resistance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he will spare the lives of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk region if they surrender.

Russia claimed to retake a key town in the area from Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s top military commander has said that its forces would continue to “hold the line.”

Ukraine's top army commander said on Wednesday that Kyiv's troops will keep operating in Russia's Kursk region as long as needed and that fighting continued in and around the town of Sudzha. "Despite the increased pressure of the Russian and North Korean army,