Ukraine Establishes Military Office in Russian Kursk Region Amid Incursion
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has established a military administrative office in Russia’s Kursk region, marking a pivotal moment in its surprise incursion into Russian territory, as announced by Gen Oleksandr Syrsky, Ukraine’s top military commander.
Gen Syrsky stated that the newly created office aims to “maintain law and order” and address the “immediate needs” of the local population. This update was shared during a meeting chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where Gen Syrsky confirmed the office’s establishment in areas currently under Ukrainian control.
In response, Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov announced plans to send reinforcements to the region to “safeguard” its inhabitants.
Progressing further, Ukrainian forces have reportedly penetrated 35 kilometers into the Kursk region, securing control over 1,150 square kilometers and 82 settlements. This marks Ukraine’s most substantial incursion into Russian territory since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. However, Kyiv emphasizes that it does not intend to annex Russian territory but aims to pressure Moscow into negotiating a “just peace,” as stated by Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy.
In reaction to the incursion, Russian officials are implementing “additional measures” to protect citizens and infrastructure along the border with Ukraine, particularly in the Belgorod region. Plans include enhanced troop management in the neighboring regions of Kursk and Bryansk, with the Belgorod region currently declared under a federal level emergency. Recent reports indicated the evacuation of 11,000 residents from the Krasnaya Yaruga district in Belgorod.
Despite these military setbacks, Moscow claims to have recaptured some territory, including the Krupets settlement within the Kursk region.
Furthermore, a UK source has confirmed that tanks recently donated to Ukraine have been utilized during its incursion operations. While the UK Ministry of Defence did not specify which weapons were deployed, it reiterated that Ukraine holds the right to use UK-supplied arms for self-defense against Russian aggression. The UK was among the first to provide modern battle tanks to Ukraine, contributing 14 Challenger 2 tanks within the past year to support Ukraine’s territorial recovery efforts.
Military equipment from the United States and Germany is also being utilized in Ukraine’s ongoing incursion, with no objections from those nations regarding its deployment. However, there remain concerns about potential escalation, particularly regarding Russia’s response and the implications for Western involvement.
The Kremlin has accused Western nations of orchestrating the attacks on its territory, citing the involvement of Western weapons as proof. With ongoing tensions and the presence of nuclear capabilities on both sides, there are rising fears of possible escalation in the conflict. Although Western countries have provided military assistance, they have refrained from granting Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles against targets within Russia. President Zelensky continues to advocate for the lifting of these restrictions.
