Russia has announced a “counter-terrorism operation” in three regions to address a surprising attack by Ukrainian forces. The Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, which are on the border with Ukraine, now have new restrictions in place. Authorities can limit people’s movements, monitor phone calls, and take other security measures.
The Ukrainian offensive into the Kursk region has been ongoing for five days, though Kyiv has not officially confirmed this incursion. Reports indicate that Ukrainian troops are advancing over 10km (six miles) into Russian territory, marking their deepest advance since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The National Counter-Terrorism Committee (Nak) announced the new security measures on Friday. They aim to “ensure the safety of citizens and counter potential terrorist threats from enemy sabotage and reconnaissance units.” These measures allow authorities to enter private homes, restrict traffic and pedestrian movement, temporarily relocate residents, and monitor electronic communications.
Russia is working to manage the Ukrainian offensive. According to Russia, up to 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers, backed by tanks and armored vehicles, entered the Kursk region on Tuesday. The Ukrainians have reportedly captured several villages and are threatening the regional town of Sudzha. A video surfaced on Friday showing armed Ukrainian soldiers claiming control over the town and a key Russian gas facility owned by Gazprom. BBC Verify confirmed the video showed the Gazprom facility but could not independently verify the claim that the town had been fully captured.
Earlier, BBC Verify also confirmed another video showing a damaged and abandoned Russian convoy in Oktyabrskoe, about 38km from the border. The footage showed injured or possibly dead Russian soldiers among the vehicles. Moscow has since sent additional reinforcements, including tanks and rocket systems, to the Kursk region.
The Russian defense ministry reported on Saturday morning that its troops are “continuing to repel the attempted invasion” by Ukrainian forces and claimed that Ukraine’s efforts to penetrate deeper into Russian territory have been unsuccessful. These claims have not been independently verified.