President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of launching “another major provocation” after defense officials reported that around 300 Ukrainian troops crossed into Russia’s Kursk region on Tuesday. The ongoing fighting near the town of Sudzha, just 10km from the frontline, has led to thousands of people fleeing their homes in the region.
Moscow stated that the Ukrainian troops were supported by 11 tanks and over 20 armored combat vehicles during the border crossing. Russian authorities claimed that Ukrainian forces were firing indiscriminately at civilian buildings and residences, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that they prevented the Ukrainian Armed Forces from advancing deep into Russian territory and destroyed several Ukrainian drones overnight. Despite the clashes, the situation was reported to be under control by the acting regional governor, Alexei Smirnov, who briefed President Putin on the developments.
Footage verified by the BBC showed fighter jets flying low overhead in the region, with smoke rising from the ground. The escalating tensions have led to air alerts being issued in Kursk, prompting local authorities to advise residents to limit their movements and cancel all public events.
While Kyiv has not yet commented on the reports of the events in Kursk, a Ukrainian military colonel described the attack as “preventative” due to the presence of a large number of Russian troops near the border. The incursion comes after fears of a similar cross-border raid following Russia’s previous actions in the Kharkiv region in May.
With Ukrainian forces already stretched thin, military analysts are questioning the wisdom of such cross-border raids. This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides accusing each other of aggression and provocation.
