Ukrainian forces breach Belgorod border, sparks partial evacuation

Ukrainians have attacked the border of another Russian region. This time, Russian channels on Telegram report that the fighting is taking place in the vicinity of the village of Kolotilovka in the Belgorod region. The governor of the region has ordered a partial evacuation.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are attempting to breach the border crossing in Kolotilovka in the Belgorod region, reports the Telegram channel "Two Majors."

Simultaneously, local Russian authorities are providing information about the attack. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Russia's Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine, ordered the evacuation of the Krasnoyaruzhsky district on Monday due to the Ukrainian forces' attack.

"We have a dangerous morning. The enemy is active at the border of the Krasnoyaruzhsky district. I am convinced that our soldiers will eliminate the threat, but to protect the lives and health of our population, we are beginning the relocation of civilians living in the Krasnoyaruzhsky district," Gladkov said in a recording posted on Telegram.

On Friday evening, Russian authorities introduced a "counter-terrorist operation regime" in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, which border Ukraine. This regime allows the use of "necessary measures and temporary restrictions." This includes, among other things, the possibility of forcibly relocating residents, restricting transportation in certain areas, enhanced protection of important facilities, and the possibility of wiretapping.

Published recordings and reports from Russian and Ukrainian sources from 10 and 11 August indicate that Ukrainian forces were advancing west and northwest in the Kursk region, according to the Institute for the Study of War based on geolocation data.

The American Institute adds, "Russian sources largely claimed that Russian forces have stabilised the situation." However, photos and videos published online suggest that the Ukrainian offensive is not losing momentum.