Russia’s Ministry for Emergencies has escalated the situation in the Kursk region to a “federal level” emergency, responding to a recent incursion of Ukrainian troops into Russian soil. Kursk’s acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, described the ongoing situation as challenging, with social services and civic groups aiding those displaced by the conflict. Approximately 3,000 people have been evacuated from Kursk so far.
The motives behind the Ukrainian operation remain unclear, as Ukrainian officials have been tight-lipped about the incident, unfolding around 500 kilometers southwest of Moscow. A top adviser to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that such actions near the border could prompt Russia to realize the conflict is encroaching on its territory, potentially strengthening Ukraine’s position in negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military is facing a substantial Russian offensive in eastern regions like Donetsk, where President Vladimir Putin aims to seize control of territories not yet under Kremlin influence. Russian forces are countering the Ukrainian advances in Kursk with airstrikes, artillery, and ground troops, as the conflict intensifies.
In response, Ukraine has been deploying long-range drones to target Russian military installations, oil refineries, and infrastructure, extending its reach into the Lipetsk region approximately 300 kilometers from the border. Following drone attacks, a military airfield in Lipetsk experienced a fire, injuring nine individuals and causing damage to electrical infrastructure.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported downing 75 Ukrainian drones during the night, with 19 of them over Lipetsk alone. The situation in the region remains volatile, and both countries are engaged in military operations as tensions escalate.