Moscow announces "anti-terrorist operations" in border areas
Fighting has been ongoing on Russian soil for days, with Ukrainians reportedly advancing kilometers. Allegedly, the Russian military is sending reinforcements to border regions, which Moscow has declared special zones, fulfilling the demands of military bloggers.
In response to Ukraine's push into Russian territory, Moscow has announced "anti-terror operations" in three border regions. In the regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk, "anti-terror operations" have begun to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent "threats from enemy sabotage groups," the Russian Anti-Terror Committee announced on Friday evening. Under Russian law, security forces and the army have extensive powers during "anti-terror operations." This step was previously demanded by military bloggers after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has been repeated with the onset of Ukraine's push.
Citizens' freedom of movement will be restricted, vehicles may be seized, telephone conversations may be intercepted, and certain areas may be closed off. Checkpoints may also be established, and security may be increased at strategically important facilities.
The Anti-Terrorism Committee further stated that Ukraine had begun an "unprecedented attempt to destabilize the situation in a number of regions in our country." It described Ukraine's push, especially in the Kursk region, as a "terrorist attack." Ukrainian troops have injured civilians and destroyed residential buildings.
Fighting continues in numerous settlements in the Russian Kursk region. Russian military bloggers spoke of a restless night and attempts by Ukrainian forces to continue a "blitzkrieg." There have been no further statements from Ukraine itself about the operation that began on Tuesday. According to analysts, Ukrainian units have advanced several kilometers into Russian territory. The US, Ukraine's closest ally, had stated that it was not informed in advance about the operation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had stated that Russia must "feel the consequences" of its offensive against Ukraine.
Video allegedly shows Russian tank reinforcements
The Russian Defense Ministry published another video on Saturday morning, showing what it claims are reinforcements in the region. The footage shows tanks taking up positions to destroy Ukrainian troops. The footage is not independently verifiable. Images were also circulated of a nighttime airstrike, after Moscow announced on Friday that more units and equipment had been deployed to the border region. The ministry also reported numerous intercepted Ukrainian drone attacks in the Kursk area.
"At the moment, the situation has stabilized," wrote military blogger Alexander Sladkov in a situation report published on the Telegram channel Rybar. Russian units are advancing. "Sudzha is secure, the command is making every effort to cleanse the city of the enemy," Sladkov wrote, referring to a town in the Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. "If the enemy does not suddenly deploy significant forces elsewhere, then one can say that the peak of the crisis has been overcome."
In social media, an unverified video circulated showing men in uniform with a Ukrainian flag in the village of Poros in the Russian region of Belgorod, just a few kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Kremlin-critical media described this as a possible diversionary maneuver by Ukrainian forces. No official statements have been made on this matter. Last year, after massive attacks from the Ukrainian side, residents had already abandoned entire villages near the border.
According to the assessment of the U.S. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in Washington, the Russian Ministry of Defense continues to refrain from withdrawing troops from the front in Ukraine itself in order to reinforce units in Kursk. Russia has also recently expanded the protection of the Kursk nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned of potential dangers. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi called on both sides to adhere to the rules for nuclear safety in conflict zones.
The European Union has expressed concern over the escalating conflict in Ukraine, calling for an immediate de-escalation and respect for international law. The European Union has also highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, reiterating its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Given the ongoing conflict and Russia's declaration of special zones in border regions, the European Union has implemented new sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals and entities involved in the violence and violations of human rights.
