The ongoing military operations in Ukraine, particularly the incursion into the Kursk region, have persisted for five consecutive days, reflecting both strategic objectives and the complexities of modern warfare. This sustained offensive underscores Ukraine's commitment to reclaiming territory and asserting its sovereignty in the face of ongoing aggression. The situation in Kursk is emblematic of broader geopolitical tensions, as it not only involves direct military engagement but also serves as a focal point for international attention on Ukraine's resilience and determination to resist external pressures.
From a tactical perspective, the incursion into Kursk has significant implications for both Ukrainian forces and their adversaries. The prolonged nature of this operation may indicate an adaptation to evolving battlefield dynamics, wherein Ukrainian commanders are likely recalibrating their strategies based on real-time intelligence and battlefield assessments. Moreover, the sustained engagement may serve to disrupt Russian supply lines and command structures within the region, thereby weakening their operational capabilities over time.
In the daytime video – shared by Russian military bloggers and independent outlets, and geolocated by CNN – about a dozen trucks are seen on the side of a road in the village of Oktyabrskoye, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of the town of Rylsk, appearing to contain dozens of dead bodies.
Some of the trucks are completely burnt out, while others are undamaged but still appear to contain the bodies of military personnel.
The video, which a Russian military blogger says shows the aftermath of a Ukrainian strike Thursday night, comes three days after Kyiv shifted tactics with a surprise incursion into Russian territory, prompting the Kremlin to declare a “federal scale” state of emergency on Friday in a region largely untroubled by more than two years of war.
Ukraine has not openly admitted the incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky said this week that Moscow must "feel" the consequences for its invasion.
Fighting in Kursk has edged gradually closer to a nuclear power plant, prompting the UN nuclear agency to release a statement urging the two sides to “exercise maximum restraint”.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi appealed to all sides to take measures “to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences”.
Fighting in Kursk has edged gradually closer to a nuclear power plant, prompting the UN nuclear agency to release a statement urging the two sides to “exercise maximum restraint”.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi appealed to all sides to take measures “to avoid a nuclear accident with the potential for serious radiological consequences”.
Podolyak said Thursday that the West’s response had been “absolutely calm, balanced, objective, and based on an understanding of the spirit of international law and the principles of defensive warfare.” Unlike Zelensky, Podolyak directly referenced “events in the Kursk region.”
“Now, a significant part of the global community considers [Russia] a legitimate target for any operations and types of weapons,” he added.
The European Union foreign affairs spokesperson Peter Stanno said Wednesday that Ukraine “has the legal right to defend itself, including striking an aggressor on its territory.” US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller was slightly more tight-lipped, saying Ukraine has to decide its own tactics.
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