Ukrainian troops were still active in the Russian western Kursk region as of Friday night. Making it the fourth day since their unexpected cross-border offensive. The Russian Defense Ministry said that it was “still repelling” Ukrainian troops after losing over 280 Ukrainian servicemen within the last twenty-four hours. There is no independent confirmation of these facts.
The Ukrainian Forces Make a Breakthrough Ukrainian
Reports show that more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) inside Russia have been crossed by Ukrainian forces. Marking the deepest incursion into Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While this action has not yet been officially recognized by Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday that Moscow should be made to “feel” its move into his country.
Danger Near Nuclear Power Plant Ukrainian
Fighting in Kursk has gradually moved closer to the nuclear plant leading to an appeal made by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A UN body for both sides to “show the highest degree of restraint.” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged all parties involved to take necessary measures. And “prevent any possible scenario related to nuclear incidents with serious radiological consequences.”
Effect on Local People:
Some residents of Kursk area had evacuated people due to escalation resulting in some of them being delivered at central train station in Moscow on Friday. A local resident referred to by AFP news agency said it was “very bad” with constant bombings.
Strategic Moves by the Ukrainians:
Last night, Ukraine’s military reported successful strikes against a major military airfield deep inside Russia. Which destroyed an arsenal containing hundreds of glide bombs. Targeted was Lipetsk Air Base located over 350 kilometers from Ukraine with its Su-34s. Su-35s and MiG-31s belonging to Russians. Destructions of such bombs is significant blow on part of those used by Russia for attacking Ukrainian cities and military positions.
Russian Response and Civilian Losses:
In response to Ukraine’s attacks, Russia bombed a mall in Kostyantynivka town near the front line in eastern Donetsk region. According to Ukrainian authorities, 14 people were killed during the attack while 43 others sustained injuries. The strike also damaged residential buildings, shops, as well as over a dozen cars.
Briar Patch and Federal Emergency:
Following Tuesday’s start of an offensive by Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces were suppressing “raid attempts by enemy units”. However, BBC Verify examined video evidence that presented a different situation — a convoy of Russians consisting of 15 vehicles being damaged, burnt out, and abandoned on Oktyabr’skoe road about 38 kilometers from the border. Among these vehicles, there could be seen injured or possibly dead Russian soldiers in this footage.
The situation is so grave that “a federal state of emergency” has been declared in the Kursk region. Despite sending in reserve troops and issuing evacuation orders, Russia seems unable to stop the advance made by Ukrainian forces, which involved up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops supported by tanks and armored vehicles, as some reports suggest.
