Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated dramatically, with President Vladimir Putin accusing Ukraine of launching a “major provocation” following an alleged border incursion.
On Tuesday, Russian defense officials reported that approximately 300 Ukrainian troops crossed into Russia’s Kursk region, near the town of Sudzha, about 10 kilometers from the frontline.
The region has been engulfed in conflict, with ongoing fighting and Ukrainian air attacks reportedly resulting in civilian casualties. Moscow claims that Ukrainian forces, supported by 11 tanks and over 20 armored combat vehicles, engaged in indiscriminate shelling, killing three civilians and injuring 24 others, including six children.
In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defense stated it thwarted further Ukrainian advances into its territory and successfully destroyed several Ukrainian drones overnight. Air alerts have been issued across Kursk, with local authorities urging residents to stay indoors and canceling public events.
Footage verified by the BBC showed fighter jets flying low over the area and smoke rising from impacted regions. Acting regional governor Alexei Smirnov reported that President Putin has been briefed on the situation, which is said to be under control. Smirnov also noted that medical teams from Moscow and St Petersburg are en route to provide assistance.
Kyiv has yet to comment on the Russian allegations, but Ukrainian Colonel Vladislav Seleznyov described the attack as a “preventative” measure in response to the accumulation of approximately 75,000 Russian troops near the border. The situation comes in the wake of Russia’s significant incursion into Ukraine’s Kharkiv region in May, which had sparked fears of further Russian advances into the Sumy region.
While Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured several settlements and highways, some military analysts are questioning the strategic value of cross-border raids given Ukraine’s overstretched resources. Previous incursions by anti-Kremlin Russian groups into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions in March 2023 were also met with resistance from Russian security forces.
As the conflict continues to unfold, both sides remain on high alert, and the situation in Kursk remains fluid.
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