Kursk incursion: Russia battles Ukraine border attack
Russia said Wednesday it was battling an unprecedented cross-border incursion from Ukrainian troops, a major offensive that left Moscow scrambling to reinforce the Kursk region.
Russia said Wednesday it was battling an unprecedented cross-border incursion from Ukrainian troops backed by armored vehicles and aerial support, with Moscow scrambling to reinforce the area after what President Vladimir Putin called a “major provocation.”
Damage to buildings in the town of Sudzha, Russia on Aug. 6, 2024, reportedly caused by shelling from Ukrainian forces.Kursk Region Governov Alexei Smirnov via AFP - Getty ImagesThe attack has not been acknowledged by Ukraine but would mark a dramatic shift in strategy as its forces struggle to hold on to key territory on the front lines in the country’s east.
While developments on the ground were murky, the apparent assault on the Kursk region in southern Russia raised questions about the Kremlin’s defenses and about Kyiv’s aims at a crucial moment in the war.
Acting Gov. Alexei Smirnov first reported Tuesday morning that Ukraine’s armed forces were attempting to cross the border of his region.
Hours later, Russia’s defense ministry said that up to 300 Ukrainian troops, supported by 11 tanks and more than 20 armored fighting vehicles, attacked Russian positions on the border. It said its forces were repelling the attack with artillery, aviation and drones Tuesday night.
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