Ukraine’s largest cross-border assault of the war has captured approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of Russia’s Kursk region, Reuters reports.
Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi informed President Volodymyr Zelensky that the offensive was ongoing, emphasizing its strategic importance. Russian acting governor of Kursk Alexei Smirnov acknowledged that Ukrainian forces had taken control of 28 settlements in a 12 km deep and 40 km wide incursion. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attack a “major provocation,” aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s negotiating position. Zelensky emphasized the operation was essential for Ukraine’s security, citing numerous Russian strikes from Kursk.
The assault aims to divert Russian troops and leadership from the eastern fronts. US Senator Lindsey Graham, visiting Kyiv, praised the operation and urged further US support for Ukraine. Putin vowed a strong response, accusing Ukraine of receiving Western support.
