Ukraine Russia War Escalates as Kyiv Admits Ukrainian Force Incursion into Kursk Region.
Ukraine Captures Dozens of Russian Soldiers in Kursk Operation.
The latest updates on the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, Russia.
Russian Counterterrorism Operation: Russia has declared a counterterrorism operation in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk oblasts in response to the Ukrainian incursion.
FSB Leadership: The Federal Security Service (FSB) is leading the counterterrorism operation, with FSB Head Alexander Bortnikov in charge.
Ukrainian Incursion: Ukrainian forces have made advances in Kursk Oblast, with geolocated footage showing them maintaining positions in several areas.
Russian Defense: Russian forces, including conscripts and elements of the Northern Grouping of Forces, are defending against the Ukrainian incursion.
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Casualties: There are reports of casualties among Russian conscripts, which could lead to a political crisis for the Kremlin.
Russian Response: The Russian military is redeploying units from other areas to defend against the Ukrainian incursion, including elements of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade.
Ukrainian Advances: Ukrainian forces have advanced slightly further than their previously confirmed positions, with geolocated footage showing them operating in several areas.
Russian Strikes: Russia claims to have conducted a successful IskanderM ballistic missile strike against Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast.
Kremlin Concerns: The Kremlin is concerned about the potential political fallout from the Ukrainian incursion and the involvement of Russian conscripts in the defense.
International Implications: The situation has international implications, with the potential to escalate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Kyiv Admits Incursion into Kursk Region
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged that Ukrainian forces are engaged in combat within Russia’s Kursk region. The ongoing incursion, which has entered its sixth day, has been described by Zelenskyy as a demonstration of Ukraine’s capability to “restore justice and apply necessary pressure on the aggressor.”
As battles intensify, Russia has implemented a stringent security regime across three of its border regions. Concurrently, Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, has dispatched additional troops to its border with Ukraine, alleging that Kyiv has violated Belarusian airspace.
Belarus Responds to Ukrainian Incursion
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Belarusian air defense units destroyed numerous aerial targets originating from Ukraine over the Mogilev region on Friday evening. In response to the alleged airspace violations, Belarus has reinforced its border troops, accusing Ukrainian drones of entering its airspace during the ongoing military incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.
Lukashenko warned that any provocations from Ukraine would be met with a strong response, echoing the sentiments of Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin, who termed the airspace violations as provocations warranting retaliatory action.
The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued statements on social media, hinting at a potential reevaluation of the necessity of maintaining a Ukrainian diplomatic presence in Minsk.
Russia Promises ‘Tough Response’ to Ukrainian Border Attacks
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, vowed a swift and severe military response to Ukraine’s actions along the border. This statement came shortly after officials in the Russian city of Kursk reported that 13 people were injured when debris from a Ukrainian missile struck a residential building.
Russian Forces Disrupt Ukrainian Operations Near Dnipro
Russian military officials claimed they have thwarted Ukrainian attempts to regroup in the Dnipro River area, part of the Kherson region. Roman Kodryan, head of the Russian battlegroup in the region, stated that Russian forces maintained control over the islands along the Dnipro River, preventing Ukrainian troops from consolidating their positions and destroying enemy watercraft attempting to land on the eastern bank.
Ukraine’s Offensive in Kursk: A Bold Move
Ukraine’s surprise offensive in the Kursk region has been the most significant crossborder action since Russia’s fullscale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. On Saturday night, President Zelenskyy acknowledged the operation, framing it as part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to restore justice.
In response, Russia’s Ministry of Defence has begun deploying additional troops and munitions to the border area, anticipating a potential counteroffensive. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the incursion as a “largescale provocation,” and the military’s chief of staff, Valery Gerasimov, vowed to quash the Ukrainian forces involved. In reaction to the incursion, Russian authorities declared a “federallevel” state of emergency in Kursk, and Ukraine initiated the evacuation of 20,000 residents from its Sumy region, which borders Kursk.
Ukraine Captures Dozens of Russian Soldiers in Kursk Operation
The Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured dozens of Russian soldiers during a surprise operation in Russia’s Kursk region. This marks the most substantial crossborder incursion by Ukraine since the war began in February 2022.
Ukraine Claims Success Against Russian Drone Attacks
Ukraine’s air force reported the destruction of 53 out of 57 drones launched by Russia in an overnight airstrike, with the drones being intercepted in various parts of Ukraine. The Ukrainian President also alleged that a North Korean missile was used by Russian forces in the Kyiv region during the overnight strike, describing the attack as yet another act of terrorism against Ukraine.
Casualties and Damage in Kyiv
Tragically, a fouryearold boy and his 35yearold father were killed when debris from a downed Russian weapon struck their home near Kyiv. The Ukrainian emergency services reported that a 13yearold child was among the injured in the Brovary district, just northeast of Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have blamed drone debris for the casualties, though it remains unclear whether a missile or a dron