Russian forces are engaged in intense battles with Ukrainian troops for the third consecutive day following a significant Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, Reuters reports.
Around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers, supported by tanks, armored vehicles, drones, and artillery, breached the Russian border early on August 6. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attack as a “major provocation,” prompting Russia to mobilize reserves. The Ukrainian forces advanced towards the border town of Sudzha, a crucial logistics hub for Russian gas exports to Europe. Russian officials reported halting the Ukrainian offensive in the border area, but pro-Russian military bloggers indicated that the battles persisted, with ongoing evacuations of civilians.
The attack comes at a pivotal time for Ukraine, with potential changes in US support depending on the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election. Ukrainian forces have remained silent on the offensive, while some Russian sources criticized the inadequate border defenses. The White House stated it had no prior knowledge of the offensive.
