Residents of an Apartment Building in Russia’s Kursk Region
Residents of an apartment building in Russia’s Kursk region are grappling with the aftermath of shelling that has left significant damage in its wake. The incident has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region.
Putin Blames the West for Ukraine’s Incursion
In a recent televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his ire towards the West, blaming them for Ukraine’s aggressive incursion into the Kursk region, which has persisted for over a week. His remarks reflect the Kremlin’s growing unease over the situation. While Moscow scrambles to mount a response to this unexpected offensive, it has not halted its own military operations in eastern Ukraine, as reported by officials in Kyiv.
During the meeting with top officials, Putin stated, “The West is fighting us with the hands of the Ukrainians,” further asserting that “the enemy will certainly receive the response he deserves, and all our goals, without a doubt, will be accomplished.”
According to Kursk’s acting governor, the situation on the ground is dire, with reports indicating that 28 towns and villages are currently under Ukrainian control. He claimed that Ukrainian troops had advanced nearly 12 kilometers into Russian territory. In contrast, the head of Ukraine’s armed forces asserted that their forces control more than twice that area, estimating it to be “about 1,000 square kilometers.”
Background: Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s military strategy has dual objectives: to divert Russian troops from the front lines in eastern Ukraine and to capture territory that could be leveraged in future peace negotiations. Despite the pressure, Putin has maintained that this incursion will not alter his stance in negotiations.
On the Ground: A team from The Times visited one of the locations where Ukrainian forces executed their surprise assault, catching Russian defenders off guard. The reporters documented scenes of devastation, providing a stark reminder of the conflict’s toll on the region.
