Intense Battles Erupt in Kursk Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Russia reported intense battles with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, marking one of the largest incursions since the Ukraine war began. Ukrainian forces advanced northwest of Sudzha, and fighting continued through the night. Russian forces have taken 420 sq km of territory since mid-June.

Russia reported on Wednesday that it engaged in intense battles against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region, one of the largest incursions into Russian territory since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. Ukrainian forces advanced northwest of the border town of Sudzha, 530 km southwest of Moscow, continuing to fight through the night, according to Russia's defense ministry.

President Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian forces of indiscriminately targeting civilian areas in the region, announcing a forthcoming meeting with top defense and Federal Security Service officials. Both Kyiv and Moscow maintain they do not target civilians in the ongoing conflict, which was triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion.

The acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, reported casualties from Ukrainian attacks, including an assault drone hitting an ambulance. The battles mark a critical point in the conflict, with both Russia and Ukraine seeking to strengthen their positions ahead of potential U.S. policy changes following the upcoming presidential election.

(With inputs from agencies.)