Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Ukraine’s military is now attacking inside Russia’s western Kursk region, which is a significant shift in the conflict.
During his televised address on Saturday, Zelensky said that Ukraine is taking the fight to Russian territory, marking the first time Ukraine has confirmed such actions.
This offensive, which started five days ago, has caught Russia off guard, leading to mass evacuations on both sides of the border.
In Ukraine, explosions were reported in Kyiv and the Sumy region early Sunday. Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, warned civilians to stay in shelters as air defence units were active. The entire eastern part of Ukraine and Kyiv are on high alert for air attacks.
Zelensky thanked Ukrainian soldiers for their efforts, noting that he had discussed the operation in Russia with top military officials. He emphasized that Ukraine is proving it can restore justice by pressuring the aggressor.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian troops are advancing deep into Russia, reaching up to 10 kilometers inside Russian territory—the furthest they have gone since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In the Kursk region, 13 people were injured on Sunday, and over 76,000 people have been evacuated from the border area, according to Russian officials.
Russia has responded by imposing a “counter-terrorism operation” in three regions, giving authorities the power to restrict movement and monitor communications.
Ukrainian soldiers were seen at a Russian gas facility in the town of Sudzha, and videos verified by the BBC show Ukrainian forces have taken control of some areas, though it’s unclear if they control the entire town.
Russia has sent reinforcements, including tanks and rocket launchers, to push back the Ukrainian advance. The Russian military claims it is repelling the Ukrainian attack, though these claims have not been independently verified.
The UN nuclear agency has urged both Russia and Ukraine to be cautious, as the fighting nears the Kursk nuclear power plant, which is a major facility in Russia.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stressed the need to avoid a nuclear accident that could have serious consequences.
This report highlights the ongoing complexity of the conflict, as Ukraine’s bold moves show that Russia’s war strategy is facing unexpected challenges.
The information in this summary is based on reporting from the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y87gk729do