For the third consecutive day, intense fighting persists in Russia after approximately 1,000 Ukrainian troops launched a surprise attack by crossing the international border into the Kursk region. This incursion marks one of the largest assaults on Russia since the conflict began over two years ago.
In response to the breach, Moscow declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region, situated about 175 miles northeast of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Ukrainian forces managed to penetrate at least two lines of defense, as reported by open-source information.
Footage released by Ukraine's defense ministry depicted numerous Russian soldiers surrendering to Ukrainian troops. Reports from pro-Russian bloggers indicate that Ukrainian forces are continuing their northward advance within the Kursk region.
Specific details regarding Ukraine's operational objectives remain undisclosed due to a policy of silence from Kyiv. However, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Mykhailo Podolyak, highlighted Russia's aggression as the primary catalyst for the invasion.
Despite purported heavy losses, Ukrainian forces successfully seized a crucial military checkpoint and the Sudzha gas distribution station, a vital facility for trans-shipping natural gas from Russia to Europe. Reports suggest that Ukrainian troops are expanding their assault across the region.
Evacuations of Russian civilians from the Kursk region have been confirmed, with estimates varying between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals fleeing the conflict zone.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the attack as a 'major provocation,' following a meeting with top security officials. However, the Kremlin has not officially acknowledged the capture of the Sudzha distribution station.
While Russian military officials claim to have halted Ukraine's advances, on-the-ground reports contradict these assertions. Pro-Russian military bloggers have indicated that the situation remains challenging, with Ukrainian forces advancing towards the town of Lgov, located near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
Speculation suggests that Ukraine may target the power plant, although the strategy for maintaining control over the facility and the acquired territory remains unclear.
The extent of losses suffered by Ukrainian forces in Russia is currently unknown. President Zelenskyy refrained from commenting on the operation during his recent address to the nation, stating that further details would be provided later.
When questioned about Ukraine's military actions in Russia, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby deferred to Kyiv for information. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. policy regarding strikes or attacks inside Russia remains unchanged.
The Biden administration has relaxed its opposition to Ukraine targeting strategic sites in Russia using U.S.-supplied weaponry, under the condition that such actions are directed at imminent threats near the border.
