Ukraine Launches Surprise Incursion into Russian Territory

The Russian region of Kursk has declared a state of emergency following a surprise advance by Ukrainian armored columns, which pushed nearly 10 kilometers into Russian territory, capturing several small settlements, according to military analysts.

The unexpected incursion, which Ukraine has yet to formally acknowledge, began on Tuesday and marks the most significant Ukrainian push into Russia in the 30-month conflict. Ukrainian forces, reportedly numbering around 1,000 soldiers, managed to open a new front in the war.

A senior Ukrainian official stated that the objective of the operation was to shift the focus of the fighting, drawing Russian soldiers and resources onto their own territory to alleviate the pressure of Moscow’s ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine.