On 6 August, a substantial Ukrainian force launched a cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, shelling the little town of Sudzha and reportedly occupying several villages. Scores of Russian military were killed by artillery and drone strikes, while others were seen surrendering to the triumphant Ukrainians. It quickly became apparent that the incursion was on a far larger scale than previous border raids. Two and a half years into Putin’s murderous invasion of Ukraine, Russia faced an unpleasant reality. It, too, could be invaded by a neighbour.
Ukraine’s Kursk operation overlaps with a poignant anniversary. Twenty-five years ago, Vladimir Putin – previously the director of the Russian security service (FSB) and the secretary of Russia’s security council – replaced the short-lived prime minister Sergei Stepashin.
