Russia has accused Ukrainian troops of crossing the border into its Kursk region, marking the first incursion of its kind from Ukraine. The alleged attack has put pressure on Moscow in an area largely unaffected by the two-year war.
The Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian Investigative Committee, and the Russian Ombudsman for Children all claimed that Ukrainian forces launched a 'massive attack' on Tuesday, attempting to break through Russian defenses on the borders of the Kursk region, just north of Ukraine's Sumy region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the alleged incursion a 'large-scale provocation,' accusing Kyiv of indiscriminate shooting at civilian buildings, residential structures, and ambulances with various weapons, including missiles.
Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the claims and cannot independently verify them. The extent of the attack, including whether Ukrainian troops took over settlements or caused damage to strategic targets, remains unclear. It is also uncertain if any Ukrainian soldiers remained on Russian territory.
The Russian Ministry of Health reported that 31 people, including six children, were injured due to Ukrainian shelling in the Kursk region. The town of Sudzha, near the border, experienced heavy shelling, with some residents seeking evacuation.
Geolocated videos do not confirm Ukrainian troops entering the town, although drone footage showed individuals surrendering at a damaged border crossing. The acting governor of Russia's Kursk region declared an emergency situation following the alleged attack.
Russian forces claim to have repelled the Ukrainian attack near the villages of Nikolayevo-Daryino and Oleshnya, with clashes reported in the region. The Russian National Guard has heightened security measures at the Kursk nuclear power plant, located north of the conflict zone.
The incursion, if confirmed, would be a significant development in the conflict, potentially impacting regional stability. While previous incidents of cross-border activities have been reported, none have caused substantial damage.
The European Union's dependence on Russian gas imports adds complexity to the situation, with concerns over potential disruptions to gas transit stations near the border. The conflict continues to evolve, with both sides engaging in strategic maneuvers and facing escalating tensions.
