Russia issues a threat of retaliation

 

Ukrainian troops are currently attacking the Kursk region in western Russia. In response, Russia is making a desperate effort to counter the assault by deploying additional troops to the area and initiating counter-bombing operations in various parts of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the attack by Ukrainian forces inside Russia last Saturday, stating that the Ukrainian military is "moving the war into the territory of the aggressors." The unexpected nature of Ukraine's assault has caught Russia off guard, leading to large-scale evacuations of civilians from both sides of the border for safety.

The attack by Ukrainian forces inside Russia has now extended into its sixth day. Russian forces have launched a counter-attack, but Ukrainian troops have managed to advance 20 kilometers into Russian territory.

According to Russian news agency TASS, over 76,000 people have been evacuated from the border area. Acting Governor Alexey Smirnov has ordered officials to expedite the evacuation process to ensure civilian safety.

In response to the situation, Russia has implemented strict security measures in three border areas as of Saturday. Meanwhile, Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, has increased troop deployment along its border with Ukraine, accusing Ukraine of violating its airspace.

In a speech on Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukraine’s 'warriors' and mentioned that he discussed the operation with Senior Military Commander Alexander Sirsky. He emphasized that Ukraine has demonstrated its capability to restore justice and exert necessary pressure on aggressors.

Following Russia's all-out campaign in Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian forces had not previously penetrated so deeply into Russian territory.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported that on Saturday night, they destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones and 4 missiles in the Kursk region, and another 18 drones used in attacks on other Russian regions.

Military experts view Ukraine's sudden incursion as exposing the Kremlin's vulnerabilities, though Russian President Vladimir Putin considers it a major provocation.

Russian Army Chief Valery Gerasimov stated last Wednesday that the Ukrainian attack had been repelled, but Ukrainian troops have not yet been pushed back across the border. Russian military bloggers claim the situation is stable following the deployment of additional troops to Kursk, but Ukraine is rapidly reinforcing its presence.

In terms of casualties, at least 13 people were injured in the Ukrainian attack on the Kursk region early yesterday, with two in serious condition due to missile debris hitting a nine-story building.

Despite denials from both Kiev and Moscow of targeting civilians, thousands have been killed and millions displaced since the war began in 2022, with no end in sight.

According to Russian military bloggers, fighting is occurring within 20 kilometers of the Kursk region, raising questions about how Ukrainian forces managed to penetrate the area so effectively.

In response, Russia has been conducting bombings across various parts of Ukraine. Explosions were reported yesterday in Kyiv, the capital, as well as in the Sumy region.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko stated that air defense units are actively engaged and an airstrike alert has been issued citywide. He urged residents to seek shelter in safe locations via a social media post on Telegram.

Andrey Yermak, Chief of Staff to President Zelensky, announced further attacks on Russian military infrastructure following a Russian bombing in Kyiv that resulted in the death of a father and his four-year-old child. Yermak noted that Russia is refusing to consider any other arguments. Zelensky has alleged that Russia used North Korean missiles in the attack on Kyiv.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova has appealed to the United Nations to condemn Ukraine’s attack on Kursk.

According to AFP, thousands of Ukrainian troops are involved in the offensive in the Kursk region, aiming to broaden the assault and destabilize Russia. A senior Ukrainian security official stated that the goal is to weaken the enemy and cause significant damage, noting that Russia's inability to secure its borders is contributing to its instability.

Previously, the Russian military claimed that around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers had entered Russia since Tuesday. However, Ukrainian officials have countered this claim, asserting that thousands of troops are participating in the attack.