Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the Ukrainian military is carrying out a cross-border offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region. In a recent video address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is pushing the conflict onto “the aggressor’s territory,” marking a significant escalation in the war.
The recent offensive, which began earlier this week, saw Ukrainian forces advancing over 10 kilometers into Russian territory— the furthest incursion since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meanwhile, Kyiv and other regions in Ukraine faced drone and missile attacks from Russia, causing further casualties.
In his address, President Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s armed forces and acknowledged discussions with the country’s top military commander regarding the operations in Russia. He emphasized that Ukraine is demonstrating its resolve to restore justice and apply necessary pressure on the aggressor.
In response to the Ukrainian advances, Russian authorities reported the evacuation of over 76,000 residents from the Kursk region and the implementation of a “counter-terror” regime encompassing three border areas. This regime allows local officials in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk to impose restrictions on civilian movement and conduct surveillance measures.
Reports indicate continued fighting as of Saturday night, with Kursk Governor Aleksei Smirnov stating that there were casualties from a Ukrainian attack. He noted that 13 individuals sustained injuries due to debris from a downed missile landing on a residential building in Kursk.
Tragically, in the Kyiv region, a rocket fragment tragically killed a father and son, while three others, including a child, were wounded by similar incidents. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko advised residents to seek shelter as air defense systems were engaged during ongoing attacks.
The Ukrainian operation inside Russia reportedly involved around 1,000 troops, supported by armored vehicles. Ukrainian forces have claimed control over several villages and are reportedly threatening the town of Sudzha. Videos have surfaced showing armed Ukrainian soldiers claiming dominance over a town and a key gas facility previously owned by Gazprom.
As fighting escalates, Moscow has dispatched reinforcements to the Kursk region, asserting that its military is actively repelling Ukrainian attempts to invade. However, independent verification of Russian claims remains unconfirmed.
The situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant—one of the largest in Russia—has prompted the UN nuclear agency to call for both sides to exercise restraint. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi emphasized the need to prevent a potential nuclear accident in the region. The power plant is situated approximately 60 kilometers from Sudzha, raising significant concerns over the ongoing conflict’s proximity to critical infrastructure.
