Russia’s Belgorod border region declared an emergency under heavy shelling by Ukrainian forces, with a significant ongoing cross-border incursion into the adjacent Kursk region, AP News reports.
Belgorod’s governor described the situation as “extremely difficult and tense,” with homes destroyed and civilian casualties. Around 5,000 children have been moved to safety, and around 11,000 residents have fled their homes.
The Ukrainian incursion, which began on August 6, is the largest attack on Russia since World War II, involving up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops with armor and artillery. Ukraine’s aim is to stop missile attacks from Kursk into Ukraine, not to occupy Russian territory. The Ukrainian military claims control of 74 settlements in Kursk, while Russian officials report over 100,000 people evacuated from the area. The Kremlin faces a dilemma, whether to redeploy troops from the critical front line in Donetsk or to defend Kursk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated the operation boosts national morale and demonstrates Ukraine’s military capabilities. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported destroying 117 Ukrainian drones and four missiles overnight.
