An attack by Ukrainian drones on Russian air bases caused damage to at least two hangars and other areas, as per satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press. The images, captured on Wednesday by Planet Labs PBC and scrutinized by the AP, revealed that two hangars at Borisoglebsk Air Base were hit, with scattered debris surrounding them. The purpose of the hangars was not immediately clear, and there seemed to be potential damage to two fighter aircraft at the base as well. Separate images of Savasleika Air Base showed a burn mark on the apron but no apparent harm to the fighter jets and other aircraft stationed there.

Kursk’s acting Governor Alexei Smirnov issued an evacuation order for the Glushkovo region, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Sudzha, amidst intense battles persisting in the area as Ukraine’s incursion into the neighboring Kursk region reached its second week. This move suggests Ukrainian forces are making gradual progress towards the region. Meanwhile, Russia declared a federal-level state of emergency in the Belgorod region, indicating a deteriorating situation that is hindering the region’s ability to provide aid. Residents facing severe health issues may receive payments of up to 600,000 rubles ($6,600), with compensation of up to 150,000 rubles ($1,700) for property loss, according to Russia’s Emergencies Ministry.

Ukraine’s top military officer, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, asserted that Ukrainian forces have taken control of 1,000 square kilometers (roughly 390 square miles) of the Kursk region, although this claim could not be verified independently. The fluid contact lines in Kursk have allowed both sides to maneuver easily, in contrast to the static eastern Ukrainian frontline where Russian forces typically require months to make progress in their advances. Russian military bloggers allege that the arrival of Russian reserves has halted Ukrainian progress in the region, but they acknowledge ongoing Ukrainian efforts to test Russian defenses with small mechanized groups.

Addressing reporters at the U.N., Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky dismissed Syrskyi’s assertion of territorial gain, branding the situation in Kursk as incursions by terrorist sabotage groups rather than a defined frontline. Polyansky claimed that the forested terrain in Kursk poses challenges for control, stating that Ukrainian troops within these forests will be targeted and neutralized swiftly. He criticized Ukraine’s incursion as a reckless operation aimed at pressuring Russia to withdraw troops from eastern Ukraine, asserting that Russia maintains adequate forces in the area to uphold its position.