Russia reported intense battles with Ukrainian forces that have advanced into its Kursk region, marking one of the largest incursions into Russian territory since the Ukraine war began in February 2022, Reuters reports.
The conflict is centered around Sudzha, a critical transit point for Russian gas exports to Europe and close to the Kursk nuclear power station. Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that Ukrainian units are being repelled by air strikes, artillery, and ground defenses. The fighting has resulted in significant losses for both sides, with Russia claiming to have destroyed 50 Ukrainian armored vehicles. Both sides deny targeting civilians, though there have been reports of civilian casualties and damage, including a Ukrainian drone strike that hit an ambulance.
Ukraine has not officially commented on the offensive, but the attacks come at a crucial time as Kyiv struggles to regain lost territory and concerns about potential shifts in Western support, particularly with the upcoming US presidential election.
