Ukrainian Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions with Russia in Kursk Region

Ukraine initiated new drone attacks on Russia's Kursk region following accusations led by President Putin against the West for supporting these acts. Russia claimed to have destroyed 12 drones. Ukrainian forces are advancing in the region, while significant evacuations are ongoing amid the conflict.

Ukraine has ramped up its drone attacks on Russia's border region of Kursk, striking again on Tuesday. This escalation came just after President Vladimir Putin criticized the West for backing Kyiv's unexpected incursion into Russian territory. According to Russia's defence ministry, air defence units successfully neutralized 12 drones over Kursk.

On Monday, Putin stated that Ukraine's recent move, the largest since Moscow's extensive invasion in 2022, was a strategy to bolster Kyiv's position in potential peace negotiations. This marks his most elaborate public commentary on the matter so far. The Kremlin leader accused Kyiv and its Western allies of targeting Russian civilians and nuclear facilities indiscriminately, questioning the prospects of any negotiations.

Ukraine's top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi informed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Ukrainian troops are progressing into Russian territory, now controlling around 1,000 square kilometers. Concurrently, the acting governor of Kursk reported substantial evacuations, with 121,000 people having left or being evacuated and another 59,000 in the process. Combat activities are focused around strategic areas such as Sudzha, known for its natural gas flows, and heavy battles are reported near Korenevo and Martynovka.

(With inputs from agencies.)