Ukraine Initiates Rare Cross-Border Assault into Russian Kursk Region

Ukraine has initiated a rare cross-border assault into the Russian region of Kursk, which has extended into a second day. On Tuesday morning, Ukrainian forces crossed the border near Sudzha, located 10 km from the frontlines, supported by 11 tanks and over 20 armored combat vehicles. This move has led to the implementation of a state of emergency in the area, as stated by acting regional governor Alexei Smirnov. President Vladimir Putin labeled the incursion as “another major provocation,” and Russian officials reported that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops were involved.

Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko claimed control over the Sudzha gas hub, a crucial facility for the transit of natural gas to the EU, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported that Russian forces had halted the Ukrainian advance and were engaging in ongoing combat to repel the intruders. According to Gerasimov, Russian troops have already killed 100 Ukrainians and injured 215. However, some pro-war Telegram channels describe the situation as deteriorating, with heavy battles reported in Sudzha and Korenevo.

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Thousands of residents have fled the region, prompting the Russian National Guard to bolster security at the Kursk nuclear power plant. Reports indicate that Ukrainian shelling has resulted in 24 injuries, including six children. The region has experienced continuous air alerts and public events have been canceled. Russian authorities reported civilian casualties from Ukrainian air attacks, with three killed and additional injuries reported.

Kyiv has yet to officially comment on the situation, but Ukrainian regional head Volodymyr Artyukh has ordered evacuations from areas bordering Kursk. Ukrainian Colonel Vladislav Seleznyov described the assault as a “preventative” measure against the significant Russian troop buildup near the border. Despite the ongoing conflict, some analysts question the strategic value of these incursions.