Ukrainian forces push into Russia, state of emergency in Kursk region

Ukraine is not only defending itself but also retaliating with attacks. The Russian news agency Tass reported that Ukrainian forces launched an attack on Russian territory, entering the border region of Kursk. In response, Russian authorities imposed a state of emergency in the region.

The Ukrainian attacks commenced on Monday. However, the news only reached the media on the second day of the incursion. A night-time drone invasion and artillery fire preceded the entire operation. Ukrainian forces attempted to cross the border at least four times, with two of these operations succeeding.

The Russian agency Tass reported that Ukrainian soldiers crossed the border in the Sudzha and Korenevo regions, prompting an immediate reaction from the other side.

In response to the intensification of military actions by Ukrainian forces, a state of emergency was imposed in the Kursk region near the border with Ukraine.

To counter the consequences of the presence of foreign troops in our region, I decided to introduce a state of emergency, wrote Alexey Smirnov, acting governor of the Kursk region, on social media.

Due to the missile threat reported on Wednesday by the acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexey Smirnov, authorities evacuated several thousand residents from the region, cancelled all mass gatherings, and organised blood donation campaigns. Additionally, over 600 people were placed in temporary accommodation centres. Despite these measures, Smirnov assured that "the situation in the region is under control".

Meanwhile, as reported by the Russian agency Tass, "fighting is taking place on the border with the use of helicopters".

In his report, Andrzej Wilk from the Polish Centre for Eastern Studies indicated that the Ukrainian offensive began with the participation of two platoons comprising several dozen soldiers and three tanks. These forces were gradually increased, suggesting a more complex military operation. Such a strategy demonstrates the determination of the Ukrainian military and its ability to carry out sophisticated manoeuvres.

Everyone is awaiting further developments and possible steps taken by both sides.