Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian troops are currently engaged in fighting inside Russia's Kursk region. This surprise cross-border incursion has proven to be a major embarrassment for the Kremlin. Zelensky praised Ukraine's armed forces for their efforts in pushing the war into the aggressor's territory, stating that Ukraine is committed to restoring justice and applying necessary pressure on the aggressor.
The incursion into Kursk, which marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, caught both Russia and Ukraine's allies off guard. Ukrainian forces have been targeting the border region of Belgorod with airstrikes, but the Kursk operation represents the first time that regular Ukrainian and special operations units have entered Russian territory.
As the attack on Kursk enters its sixth day, Russian authorities have struggled to contain the Ukrainian advances, leading to the loss of control over significant territory. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from Kursk, and the governor of the region has urged authorities to expedite the evacuation process.
Meanwhile, Moscow has continued its offensive in eastern Ukraine, with recent drone and missile attacks targeting Kyiv region. Tragically, civilian casualties have been on the rise, with a deadly wave of missile strikes causing the deadliest month for civilian casualties since October 2022. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported that at least 219 civilians were killed and 1,018 injured in these attacks.
Despite the challenges and escalating tensions, Ukrainian President Zelensky remains resolute in the face of Russian aggression, condemning the attacks on Ukrainian soil and vowing to defend the country's sovereignty.
