In response to a significant escalation in hostilities, Russia has launched a “counter-terror operation” in three border regions—Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk—to address Ukraine’s largest cross-border offensive in the ongoing conflict. The operation, initiated on Saturday, aims to thwart Ukrainian troops who crossed into Russia’s western Kursk region earlier this week.
Details of the Operation
The Ukrainian incursion, which began on Tuesday, saw Ukrainian units storming across the border and advancing several kilometers into Russian territory. In reaction, Russia has mobilized additional troops, tanks, rocket launchers, and aviation units to repel the advance. The Russian national anti-terrorism committee announced that the operation would involve sweeping emergency powers, including restrictions on movement, vehicle seizures, phone monitoring, and heightened security at key infrastructure sites.
Russian and Ukrainian Reactions
Russia’s anti-terrorism committee described Ukraine’s actions as an “unprecedented attempt to destabilize” its territory and labeled the incursion a “terrorist attack.” The committee alleged that the Ukrainian assault had resulted in civilian casualties and damage to residential buildings. In response, Russia has been conducting air strikes and deploying more military units to bolster defenses in the affected regions.
The Ukrainian government has not commented extensively on the specifics of the operation, and the United States, a close ally of Kyiv, was not informed of the offensive plans in advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has, however, highlighted the successes of his troops and emphasized the need for Russia to experience the repercussions of its prolonged military campaign against Ukraine.
Military Actions and International Implications
Russian defense ministry footage released on Saturday shows tank crews engaging Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region and highlights recent air strikes. This development marks a significant intensification of the conflict, further complicating an already volatile situation. The ongoing conflict has seen a series of escalations since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, with both sides intensifying their military strategies.
Sources By Agencies
