- Ukraine claims to control 1,000 sq km of Russian territory
- It’s Ukraine’s largest cross-border incursion since the war began
- Putin condemned the attack as a “major provocation” and ordered Russian forces to expel Ukrainian troops from the area
- As the conflict intensifies, around 59,000 residents have been evacuated from western Russia
- The Ukrainian offensive has seen troops advance up to 30 kilometres into Russia
Ukraine claims to control 1,000 sq km of Russian territory
Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have seized control of 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory in their largest cross-border incursion since the war began. The offensive, now in its seventh day, is focused on Russia’s Kursk region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia, having brought war to others, is now experiencing it on its own soil. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a “major provocation” and ordered Russian forces to expel Ukrainian troops from the area.
As the conflict intensifies, around 59,000 residents have been evacuated from western Russia, with reports that 28 villages have fallen under Ukrainian control. The local governor confirmed that 12 civilians have been killed and described the situation as “difficult.”
The Ukrainian offensive, which began last Tuesday, has seen troops advance up to 30 kilometres (18 miles) into Russia. While the operation has boosted Ukrainian morale, experts warn that it could also introduce new risks for Ukraine.