On Tuesday, Ukraine launched renewed drone attacks on Russia’s Kursk region, escalating tensions following President Vladimir Putin’s critical remarks about Western support for Kyiv. This marks the latest in a series of assaults, with Putin condemning the attacks as an effort by Ukraine to strengthen its negotiating position ahead of potential peace talks.
According to Russia’s defense ministry, air defense units successfully intercepted 12 drones over Kursk. The region, which was first attacked by Ukraine a week ago, has reportedly seen Kyiv’s forces seize control of approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles). Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed ongoing operations, asserting that Ukrainian troops are advancing further into Russian territory and maintaining control of significant areas.
In response to the incursions, Russian authorities have mobilized evacuations, with 121,000 people from Kursk already evacuated and another 59,000 in the process. The Belgorod region, which borders Kursk, has seen 11,000 civilians also evacuated. The acting governor of Kursk reported that Ukrainian forces have taken control of 28 settlements and have advanced 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) deep into Russian territory.
Ukrainian forces are focusing on encircling Sudzha, a key point where Russian natural gas flows into Ukraine, while engaging in intense battles near Korenevo and Martynovka, as noted by military analysts. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 38 attack drones and two ballistic missiles overnight, briefly placing the entire country under air raid alerts, which have since been lifted.
The ongoing conflict underscores the escalating stakes and the continuing volatility in the region, with both sides maintaining intense military and political pressures.