Russia is facing fierce fighting in its Kursk border region as Ukrainian forces reportedly make a second-day push into the area. The Russian defense ministry claims its troops have stopped the Ukrainian forces from advancing deeply into Russian territory and has repelled several aerial attacks.
According to Moscow, 50 Ukrainian armored vehicles, including tanks and combat vehicles, were destroyed during the clashes. However, Ukraine has not confirmed the attack on the Kursk region, which is close to the border between the two countries.
Russian officials also reported shooting down Ukrainian missiles and drones overnight. Acting regional governor Alexei Smirnov mentioned that two Ukrainian missiles and four drones were intercepted by Russian defenses.
On Tuesday, Russia deployed reserve troops and aviation units to the border to respond to the incursion, which involved around 300 Ukrainian soldiers and numerous military vehicles.
Pro-Ukrainian forces, including Russian groups fighting for Ukraine, have conducted several incursions into Russia since the start of the conflict in February 2022. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the recent attack on Kursk a “terrorist act” against civilians.
The clashes resulted in five deaths and about 28 injuries, with six children among the wounded. Ukrainian shelling reportedly set fire to a cathedral and other buildings in a monastery near Sudzha, though no injuries were reported.
Sudzha is a key point for Russian gas exports to Europe, and the Kursk nuclear power station is nearby. Ukrainian forces have also claimed to destroy a Russian ballistic missile, drones, and a helicopter in the Sumy region, though these reports have not been officially confirmed.
Both sides claim their attacks do not target civilians. Russian military bloggers anticipate continued fierce fighting, with the potential for more artillery and drone strikes.