President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged Ukraine's surprise offensive into the western Kursk region, stating that Kyiv had initiated an incursion into Russian territory to "restore justice" and exert pressure on Moscow's forces. This marks the first time Zelenskiy has openly discussed this aspect of Kyiv's military strategy.
On Sunday, Russian forces were engaged in a fierce conflict, now in its sixth day, against what is described as Kyiv's most significant incursion into Russian territory since the war began. This has left southwestern Russia exposed until reinforcements were deployed. In response, Russian authorities expedited the evacuation of residents and implemented stringent security measures across three border regions. Meanwhile, Belarus, an ally of Russia, increased troop presence at its border with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of airspace violations.
In his evening video address, Zelenskiy discussed the ongoing operation with Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to reciprocating Russia's full-scale invasion from February 2022. Zelenskiy reported receiving updates from Syrskyi about the frontline developments and Kyiv's efforts to advance the conflict onto Russian soil. He asserted that Ukraine is demonstrating its capability to uphold justice and apply the necessary pressure on the aggressor.
The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting 14 Ukrainian drones and four Tochka-U tactical ballistic missiles over the Kursk region, along with 18 drones in other regions frequently targeted by Ukraine. The ministry condemned the ground incursion as "barbaric" and questioned its strategic value, noting that Ukraine has occupied only a small portion of Russian territory without formally claiming it, while Russia holds a vast area of Ukraine.
Despite claims by Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, that the attacks had been halted, Ukrainian forces remain within Russian borders. Russian military bloggers suggest the situation has stabilized due to reinforcements, though they note Ukraine's rapid buildup of forces. In Kursk, debris from a destroyed Ukrainian missile caused injuries to 13 people and damage to a residential building, highlighting the ongoing risks to civilians.
Acting Governor Alexei Smirnov urged accelerated evacuations in vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, Kyiv and Moscow both maintain that they do not target civilians, despite the widespread casualties and displacement caused by the conflict. Zelenskiy has appealed to Western partners for support, aiming to enhance Ukraine's long-range capabilities to potentially limit the war's duration.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova has petitioned the United Nations to condemn Ukraine's actions in Kursk, urging the UN Human Rights commissioner to intervene against potential human rights violations.
