- Putin has condemned Ukraine for a "major provocation"
- 1,000 Ukrainian troops entered the region
- Ukraine has not commented on the allegations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukraine for a “major provocation” after Russian defense officials reported that Ukrainian troops crossed into the Kursk region on Tuesday.
The incident occurred near the town of Sudzha, 10km from the frontline, with 11 tanks and over 20 armored combat vehicles involved.
According to Russia’s Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, the advance was stopped, and Russian forces are “destroying the adversary” near the border.
Gerasimov claimed that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops entered the region, aiming to take over the Sudzha area, and that Russian forces have killed 100 and injured 215.
Ukraine has not commented on the allegations.
The incident has led to thousands of local residents fleeing their homes, and officials report that fighting occurred in various villages on Russian territory, followed by Ukrainian air attacks that killed three civilians and wounded 24, including six children.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claims to have prevented a deeper advance into Russian territory and destroyed several Ukrainian drones.
However, air alerts continue in Kursk, with local authorities urging residents to limit their movements.
The situation remains tense, with Ukrainian forces reportedly overstretched and outmanned, leading some military analysts to question the wisdom of cross-border raids.
This incident marks the latest in a series of incursions into Russia by fighters based in Ukraine.
