Intense Battles Erupt in Russia's Kursk Region Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia faces fierce battles in its Kursk region against Ukrainian forces, marking one of the largest incursions since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Both nations are vying for advantageous positions, as fighting continues around strategic locations like Sudzha and the Kursk nuclear power station. Civilian casualties and strategic moves heighten tensions.

Russia faces fierce battles in its Kursk region against Ukrainian forces, marking one of the largest incursions since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Russian advances this year follow Ukraine's faltering counteroffensive. According to Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia's security council, Russia has seized 420 square kilometers of territory since mid-June.

Ukraine launched a counterattack on Tuesday, with battles persisting into Wednesday near the town of Sudzha. Russia's defense ministry confirmed ongoing fighting near the Russian-Ukrainian border in the Kursk region, claiming to have destroyed 50 armored vehicles in the process.

The struggle for control over Sudzha, a key gas export point and near the Kursk nuclear power station, comes as U.S. support wavers with impending elections. Both nations aim to strengthen their bargaining positions while showing resilient military capacities. Civilian casualties continue to mount despite assurances from both sides that they are not targeting civilians.

(With inputs from agencies.)