Russia evacuates thousands as Ukraine advances in major border incursion

By Ezekiel David

Russia began evacuating thousands more people from its border regions on Thursday as Ukraine claimed to have advanced deeper into Russian territory.

This marks the most significant foreign attack on Russian soil since World War II, with Ukrainian forces breaching Russia’s Western border on August 6. Supported by drones, heavy artillery, and tanks, Ukrainian troops have pushed approximately 18 km (11 miles) into Russia, sparking ongoing battles.

Kursk’s acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, announced the evacuation of the Glushkov district, home to 20,000 people, while Russian data indicates that 200,000 people have been evacuated from border regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that his forces had advanced several kilometers with the aim of creating a buffer zone and replenishing a prisoner-of-war exchange fund.

Russia’s defense ministry reported shooting down Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region and launching airstrikes on Ukrainian positions in Kursk.

Despite the embarrassment this attack has caused Moscow, revealing vulnerabilities in its border defenses, Russian officials maintain that it will not alter the course of the war. Russia continues to advance on multiple fronts in Ukraine, controlling 18% of the country.

The Ukrainian incursion represents Kyiv’s most significant battlefield gains since 2022. While Western nations, who support Ukraine, deny foreknowledge of the attack, Russian officials, including lawmaker Maria Butina, express skepticism, suggesting Western involvement.

President Vladimir Putin alleged that Ukraine, with Western backing, is trying to strengthen its position ahead of potential peace talks.

As the conflict escalates, Russian officials have warned that the use of Western weapons on Russian soil would be seen as a severe escalation.

Meanwhile, military analysts caution that if Ukraine intends to maintain control of the territory it has seized, it will need to establish a robust logistical network to support its forces.

(Source: Reuters)