Russia declared a “federal level” emergency in the Kursk region and dispatched reinforcements after hundreds of Ukrainian troops crossed the border, marking the largest Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory since the war began, AP News reports.
Details on the incursion remain scarce, Ukrainian forces have allegedly advanced up to 35 kilometers into Kursk. Ukrainian officials suggest the attack aims to make Russia recognize the war’s impact on its own territory and potentially strengthen Kyiv’s position in any future negotiations. Russia is deploying additional military resources to Kursk, including rocket launchers, artillery, and tanks, to counter the incursion.
The situation has drawn extensive media coverage in Russia, highlighting the humanitarian crisis and showing the alleged destruction of Ukrainian military equipment. The fighting in Kursk has prompted evacuations of around 3,000 residents.
Meanwhile, a Russian missile hit a shopping mall in Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine, killing at least 10 and injuring 35. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.
