Written By Lisa Murimi
A state of emergency has been declared in Russia’s Kursk region following an unprecedented cross-border attack by Ukrainian forces.
Acting Regional Governor Alexei Smirnov announced the measure to address the “consequences of enemy forces” entering the region.
Since the incursion began, at least five civilians have been killed and 31 wounded, including six children.
On Tuesday, up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops, accompanied by 11 tanks and over 20 armored vehicles, crossed into Russia near Sudzha.
The attack has led to intense fighting in several villages, prompting local authorities to evacuate thousands and cancel public events.
Air alerts have been issued, and fighter jets have been spotted over the area.
Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Honcharenko claimed that Ukrainian forces had taken control of the Sudzha gas hub, a key transit point for Russian gas to the EU, though this has not been independently verified.
He suggested that the incursion is intended to demonstrate to Western allies that Russia can be challenged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the attack a “major provocation,” while the Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, reported that Russian forces had halted the Ukrainian advance.
Pro-war channels, however, criticize the Russian military’s handling of the situation, claiming ongoing heavy fighting.
