Ukraine Launches Major Offensive into Russian Territory

Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has announced that Kyiv’s forces control 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory as they continue their largest cross-border incursion in two and a half years of war. The offensive operation in the Kursk region began seven days ago and is ongoing.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia had brought war to others, and now it’s coming back to Russia. However, Russian leader Vladimir Putin described the offensive as a “major provocation” and ordered Russian forces to “kick the enemy out of our territory”.

The situation in the western Russian region is dire, with a growing number of people evacuated for their safety. An additional 59,000 have been told to leave, and 28 villages have fallen to Ukrainian forces. The local governor reported 12 civilian casualties, describing the situation as “difficult”.

The surprise attack launched by Ukrainian troops last Tuesday has boosted morale, but analysts warn of fresh dangers. A senior British military source cautioned that Moscow may intensify attacks on Ukraine’s civilian population and infrastructure in response to the incursion.