A rare incursion launched from Ukraine into the Russian border region of Kursk on Tuesday is continuing for the second day, sparking tensions between the two neighboring countries. The acting regional governor, Alexei Smirnov, declared a state of emergency in the area as President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of launching “another major provocation.”
According to reports, hundreds of Ukrainian troops crossed the border near the town of Sudzha, supported by tanks and armored combat vehicles. This unexpected move marks a rare surprise incursion by Kyiv into Russian territory since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
As the situation unfolds, Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko claimed that the Ukrainian army had taken control of the Sudzha gas hub, a crucial facility involved in the transit of natural gas from Russia to the EU. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov informed President Putin that Ukrainian forces had entered the Kursk region with the aim of seizing control of the area around Sudzha. Russian forces reportedly engaged in combat, resulting in casualties on both sides.
The conflict has led to the evacuation of several thousand residents from the region, with reports of heavy fighting and air attacks causing civilian casualties. Both sides have issued warnings and heightened security measures in the affected areas.
The situation remains tense as Ukrainian forces reportedly advance towards Sudzha, while Russian forces attempt to repel the incursion. The cross-border raid has raised concerns about the escalation of hostilities between the two countries and the impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
