In a dramatic escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian forces have launched a significant incursion into Russian territory, specifically targeting the Kursk region. This operation, which began on August 6, marks the largest attack on Russian soil since the start of the war in February 2022.The offensive has led to the evacuation of over 76,000 Russian civilians from border areas, according to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Russian authorities have declared a state of emergency in three border regions – Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk – granting broad powers to the military and security forces for anti-terrorist operations.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly acknowledged the operation for the first time, stating it demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to ‘restore justice’ and put pressure on Russia. Zelensky said, ‘Ukraine is showing that we can actually restore justice and put pressure on the attacker’.Reports suggest Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 20 kilometers into Russian territory, with fighting ongoing in several villages including Ivashkovskoye, Malaya Loknya, and Olgovka. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have inflicted significant losses on Ukrainian forces, reporting 1,120 military personnel and 140 armored vehicles destroyed. However, these claims have not been independently verified.The incursion has raised concerns about the safety of the Kursk nuclear power plant, located less than 50 kilometers from the combat zone. A spokesperson for the Russian nuclear agency described the situation as ‘extremely difficult’.In response to the Ukrainian advance, Russia is deploying additional military resources, including tanks, troops, and artillery systems to the Kursk region. The Kremlin has also authorized financial aid of 10,000 rubles (approximately 100 euros) for those affected by the evacuation.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces have launched a significant incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, advancing up to 20 kilometers into Russian territory.
- Over 76,000 Russian civilians have been evacuated from border areas due to the ongoing conflict.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky has publicly acknowledged the operation, framing it as an effort to ‘restore justice’.
- The incursion has raised concerns about the safety of the Kursk nuclear power plant, located near the combat zone.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the extent of Ukrainian advancement into Russian territory, with some sources claiming 20 kilometers and others suggesting up to 35 kilometers.
👾While Russia claims to have inflicted significant losses on Ukrainian forces, Ukraine has not officially commented on its casualties or the specifics of its military operations in Russian territory.
