President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian army to “dislodge” Ukrainian troops who crossed over the border into the Kursk region, following a surprise offensive launched by Kyiv last week. The incursion marked the most significant cross-border attack on Russian soil since World War II, with Ukrainian forces capturing over two dozen settlements in the region. Putin stated that the enemy’s goal is to sow discord, intimidate people, and destroy the unity of Russian society. The main task now is for the defense ministry to remove the enemy from Russian territories.
The fighting in the Kursk region has resulted in the displacement of over 120,000 people, with at least 12 civilians killed and 121 others injured. Regional governor Alexei Smirnov informed Putin that the evacuation area in Kursk has been expanded to include the Belovsky district, where around 14,000 residents reside. The neighboring Belgorod region has also initiated evacuations in its border district of Krasnoyaruzhsky. Ukrainian forces have penetrated the region by approximately 12 kilometers and captured 28 towns and villages, creating a new front stretching about 40 kilometers in length.
According to a Ukrainian official, the operation in Kursk was intended to stretch Russian troops and destabilize the country after months of slow advances by Russian forces across the front line. Putin vowed to respond by providing support to those affected by the conflict and noted an increase in men signing up to fight against the enemy. He assured that the enemy would face a strong response from Russia. The situation has escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.
The Moscow Times, an independent news organization in Russia, is facing challenges as it has been designated as an “undesirable” organization by Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office. The authorities have criminalized their work and labeled them as a “foreign agent,” putting their staff at risk of prosecution. Despite attempts to silence independent journalism, The Moscow Times continues to strive to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia. They are urging readers to support their work to defend open journalism in the face of repression.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies in the Kursk region, the displacement of civilians and casualties continue to rise. Putin’s directive to the Russian army to remove Ukrainian troops from Russian territories indicates a heightened militarization of the conflict. The Ukrainian offensive has pushed Russian forces back and disrupted the status quo, leading to widespread displacement and casualties. The future of the region remains uncertain as tensions between the two countries show no signs of de-escalating. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as the conflict unfolds.
