An official in the Kursk border region of Russia has called for more residents to evacuate due to the escalating situation in the area. Russian forces are currently responding to a surprise attack launched by Ukrainian troops after almost a week of intense fighting.
More than 76,000 people have already fled their homes in areas of Kursk as Ukrainian forces crossed the border on August 6, advancing as deep as 30 kilometers into Russian territory. The town of Sudzha, located about 10 kilometers over the border, has been partially occupied by Ukrainian troops, including an important natural gas transit station.
The Ukrainian operation is shrouded in secrecy, with the ultimate goals of the offensive remaining unclear. It is uncertain whether Ukrainian forces intend to hold territory or are conducting a raid. This unexpected maneuver has caught Russian forces off guard, countering their previous efforts to breach Ukrainian defenses along the front line in eastern Ukraine.
This incursion into the Kursk region represents the largest attack on Russian soil since World War II, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing hostilities. The move has disrupted President Vladimir Putin's narrative of minimal impact on Russian life due to the war, exposing military unpreparedness and prompting criticism from within the Russian parliament.
Analysts predict that the toughest phase of Ukraine's advance is yet to come as Russian reserves enter the conflict. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that Russia may need to deploy additional military assets along the border to counter the Ukrainian offensive.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that a fire near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has not affected the facility's safety. Despite blame games between Russia and Ukraine regarding the blaze, radiation levels at the plant remain stable, with concerns raised about the ongoing war's impact on nuclear safety.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
