Ukrainian Troops Cross Border into Russia’s Kursk Region in Surprise Offensive
In a shocking turn of events, Ukrainian troops have crossed the border into Russia’s western Kursk region, marking the deepest cross-border advance by Kyiv since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian defense ministry has reported that they are actively repelling the Ukrainian military, claiming that over 280 personnel have been lost in the past 24 hours, although this figure has not been independently verified.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces are operating more than 10km inside Russia, with fighting edging closer to a nuclear power plant in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a statement urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a potential nuclear accident with serious radiological consequences.
As the conflict escalates, some residents of the Kursk region have been evacuated, with reports of bombings and airstrikes in the area. Overnight, Ukraine’s military launched a strike on a military airfield deep inside Russia, destroying a warehouse containing hundreds of glide bombs. In response, Russia targeted a shopping center in the Ukrainian town of Kostyantynivka, resulting in casualties and damage to buildings and vehicles.
The situation in Kursk has prompted a state of emergency in the region, with Russia struggling to contain the Ukrainian advance despite deploying reserve troops and issuing evacuation orders. The Ukrainian offensive has caught Russia off guard, with the Kremlin facing domestic criticism for failing to prevent the incursion.
While Ukraine’s allies support its right to defend itself, the escalation of the conflict raises concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the region. President Zelensky has condemned Russia’s actions, stating that they have brought the war to Ukrainian soil and must face the consequences.
The financial markets have also reacted to the developments, with the Russian ruble falling against the dollar as a result of Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk. The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the conflict uncertain as both sides continue to engage in hostilities.
