A state of emergency has been declared in the southeastern region of Russia as fighting continues for the third day following a significant cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian troops have reportedly advanced into the Kursk region, with Russia’s Ministry of Defence stating that it is actively working to push back the armed units using air strikes, rocket, and artillery fire.
Acting governor Alexey Smirnov announced the emergency after pro-Ukrainian forces entered the region on Tuesday, involving around 1,000 soldiers along with armored vehicles and tanks. Without addressing the incursions directly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia to achieve peace, while Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the situation a “major provocation” by Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War indicates that Ukrainian troops have penetrated at least two defensive lines within Russia, with reports suggesting advances of up to 10 kilometers into Russian territory. The area of focus appears to be the logistical hub of Sudzha, near the Ukrainian border. Civilian casualties have also been reported, including 31 injuries and five fatalities.
Eyewitnesses have described fleeing border areas amid drone attacks, and a local priest shared that his church is serving as a shelter for residents unable to evacuate. While Ukraine’s military provided no updates on the incursion, fighting has intensified in the Sumy region, leading to the evacuation of approximately 6,000 people.
An aide to Ukraine’s presidential office attributed the incursion to Russia’s own aggressive actions without directly claiming responsibility. The White House also stated that they had no prior knowledge of the Ukrainian actions and reaffirmed that US-supplied weaponry could only be used against imminent threats near the border.
In a bid to strengthen air defense capabilities, President Zelenskyy met with a bipartisan US House delegation and mentioned that F-16 fighter jets, which Ukraine has long requested, are now operational in its airspace. The uptick in hostilities comes as Russia claims territorial gains in eastern Ukraine since June. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with pro-Ukrainian groups conducting several brief incursions into Russian territory since then.