In a surprising turn of events, residents in parts of Russia’s Kursk region have been urged to take refuge in basements as Ukrainian forces continue their most significant cross-border incursion since the war began over two-and-a-half years ago.
The situation has escalated rapidly, with many people evacuated to safer locations, while others have been left in a state of uncertainty.
Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that Kyiv’s forces had secured control over 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory.
This offensive, which began just a week ago, has sent shockwaves through the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking with firm resolve, declared that Russia, which has long brought war to others, is now facing the consequences on its own soil.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, has responded by labeling the incursion a “major provocation.”
He has ordered Russian forces to take immediate action to repel the Ukrainian troops from Russian territory. T
he unfolding situation has led to a significant evacuation of residents in the western regions of Russia.
Local authorities report that 59,000 people have been ordered to leave their homes, with the situation in 28 villages under Ukrainian control described as increasingly dire.
Reports from the area indicate that 12 civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian forces launched this unexpected assault last Tuesday, pushing forward by as much as 30 kilometers into Russian territory.
The operation has significantly boosted morale among Ukrainian troops, who see this as a turning point in the prolonged conflict. However, military analysts warn that this move could have severe repercussions for Ukraine.
A senior British military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the risk that Russia might retaliate with even more forceful attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure.
In a televised statement, President Putin expressed his concerns about the broader implications of this incursion.
He noted that one of Ukraine’s apparent objectives is to sow discord and fear among the Russian populace, thereby weakening the unity of Russian society.
He emphasised that the primary mission now is for the Russian defence ministry to reclaim the territories currently under Ukrainian control.
The governor of the Kursk region confirmed that 121,000 residents have been evacuated, leaving only 2,000 Russian citizens behind in the areas occupied by Ukrainian forces.
The fate of these individuals remains uncertain, adding to the growing anxiety in the region.
Residents have been urged to seek shelter from potential missile strikes in rooms without windows and with sturdy walls, reflecting the growing intensity of the conflict.
In the neighbouring Belgorod region, the situation is similarly tense.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov has advised 11,000 people from the Krasnaya Yaruga district to evacuate due to increased “enemy activity on the border.”
He has also issued a warning for residents to seek refuge in their basements in case of missile attacks.
President Zelensky, in his nightly address to the nation, acknowledged the offensive, stating that Russia must be compelled to pursue peace if President Putin is determined to continue the fight.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s desire for peace, emphasising that the country has always sought to live peacefully and will continue to strive for it.
Reports indicate that the Ukrainian operation involves thousands of troops, far exceeding the small-scale incursion initially reported by Russian border guards.
An unnamed Ukrainian official revealed that the primary goal of this operation is to inflict maximum losses on Russian forces and destabilise the situation within Russia itself.
