Ukraine Launches Major Offensive in Russian Territory, Evacuations Underway
In a bold move, Ukraine’s top commander has announced that Kyiv’s forces have seized control of 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory in what is being described as the biggest cross-border incursion in two-and-a-half years of full-scale war. Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi revealed that the offensive operation in the Kursk region has been ongoing for seven days.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine condemned Russia for bringing war to others and stated that now it was coming back to Russia. However, Russian leader Vladimir Putin dismissed the offensive as a “major provocation” and ordered Russian forces to “kick the enemy out of our territory.”
As a result of the escalating conflict, a growing number of residents in the Kursk region have been evacuated for their safety, with 59,000 people being advised to leave. The local governor reported that Ukrainian forces had taken control of 28 villages, resulting in the deaths of 12 civilians.
The surprise attack launched by Ukrainian troops has seen them advance up to 18 miles into Russian territory. While the offensive has boosted morale on the Ukrainian side, analysts warn of the potential dangers it poses to Ukraine.
President Putin, in a televised address, emphasized the need to dislodge the enemy from Russian territories and ensure the unity and cohesion of Russian society. The region’s governor reported that 121,000 people had been evacuated, with concerns raised about the fate of 2,000 Russian citizens remaining in areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
In response to the incursion, some in Russia have questioned how Ukraine was able to enter the Kursk region, with preparations for a tough response from Russia’s armed forces already underway. Belarus, a Russian ally, has also increased troop numbers at its border following claims that Ukraine entered its airspace with drones.
The situation remains tense as both sides escalate their military actions, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
