President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s incursion into Russian territory to uphold justice and exert pressure on Moscow’s forces, marking Kyiv’s largest offensive in the Kursk region. In response, Russian forces engaged in intense battle, facing unexpected vulnerability in southwestern Russia until reinforcements arrived.
The escalating conflict prompted Russia to evacuate residents and tighten security in border regions, with Belarus also reinforcing its border with Ukraine. Zelenskyy, in a video address, discussed the operation with Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, promising a strong response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Russia claimed to have destroyed Ukrainian drones and missiles over the Kursk region, criticizing Ukraine’s ground incursion as “barbaric.” Despite occupying a small portion of Russian territory, Ukraine aims to pressure the aggressor while Russia controls significant parts of Ukrainian territory.
The situation remains volatile, with injuries reported in Kursk and ongoing evacuations of civilians at risk. Zelenskyy seeks support from Western partners for expanded military capabilities against Russia. The conflict’s humanitarian toll and violations of human rights have raised international concerns, with calls for condemnation from Russian authorities.
By: Thomson Reuters 2024
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