Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to expel Ukrainian forces from Russian territory after it was revealed that Ukrainian troops had taken control of numerous Russian villages and significant portions of land within a week of launching a cross-border incursion. The extent of the incursion became apparent during a meeting between Putin and local officials from border regions, along with top security, government, and law enforcement personnel.
The acting head of the Kursk region reported to Putin that 28 settlements in the region were now under Ukrainian control, with Ukrainian troops advancing approximately 7.5 miles into Russian territory across a 25-mile stretch of the border. Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that around 386 square miles of Russian territory were now under Ukrainian control.
Putin characterized the incursion as an attempt by Ukraine to strengthen its negotiating position. He criticized Ukraine for targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as posing threats to nuclear power facilities. Putin instructed his security chiefs to remove the Ukrainian forces from Russian territories and secure the state border.
The Ukrainian advances have prompted a large-scale evacuation from the border regions, with approximately 180,000 people advised to evacuate and 121,000 having already left. Evacuations are underway in the Belgorod region, with around 11,000 residents from the Krasnoyaruzhsky district relocated to safer areas.
The incursion, affecting two Russian regions, marks a significant development in the conflict. Ukrainian troops had not previously conducted official ground incursions across the border since the start of the war. The operation's full scope remains unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the incursion on Saturday, emphasizing Ukraine's efforts to restore justice and pressure the aggressor. Zelensky stressed the need to destroy Russian positions used to launch strikes at Ukrainian territory.
The reasons behind the attack remain uncertain, with Ukraine facing increased pressure along the front line as Russia continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces are reportedly targeting strategic towns, including Toretsk, to advance their positions.
Analysts suggest that the Ukrainian incursion may be a strategic move to divert Russian resources and boost morale among Ukrainian troops and civilians. Despite the incursion, Russian forces maintain momentum and continue offensive operations in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow has implemented a counter-terror operation in border regions to contain the attack, without declaring it an act of war. The Kremlin's response aims to prevent domestic panic and maintain stability, according to conflict monitoring groups.
