- Russia declares a state of emergency in Kursk region
After Ukrainian troops advanced into the Russian territory of Kursk, a state of emergency has been declared in the region and security for the local nuclear power plant has been increased. "The Kursk region continues to face a challenging operational situation in the border areas," said Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor of the Kursk region, in a Telegram message. He has set up an operations center that works around the clock. Meanwhile, the first group of evacuees from the Russian border area has arrived in the neighboring region of Oryol.
According to the Russian Ministry of Health, more than 30 people were injured in the Kursk region due to Ukrainian shelling. At least 19 of them were hospitalized. Among the injured is the most famous Russian TV war correspondent, Yevgeny Poddubny. State television reported that he is being treated in a local hospital. According to media reports, he suffered severe burns as a result of a drone attack.
In parallel, the Russian National Guard has reinforced security at the Kursk nuclear power plant, which has four units and a capacity of almost two gigawatts, and is located only about 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Additional forces have also been deployed to combat sabotage and reconnaissance units in the Kursk and Belgorod regions, the agency said, in cooperation with the Russian border troops and the army. The claims of both warring parties are generally difficult to independently verify.
Ukraine crosses into Russia
The day before, Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and artillery, crossed the Russian border from the Sumy region at Sudzha and, according to reports, took control of several villages. Russian reports suggest that around 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers are involved in the operation. Unconfirmed reports suggest they have advanced up to 15 kilometers towards the nuclear power plant.
Behind the border, the gas metering station at Sudzha could also have fallen under Ukrainian control. Gas from Russia to the European Union is transported through this station and on to Slovakia and Austria. Despite the ongoing war, 14.6 billion cubic meters of Russian gas were transported to the European Union via this route in 2023.
A video circulating on Ukrainian channels allegedly shows around 20 captured Russian border guards in the Kursk region. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently confirmed.
No official comment from Kyiv yet
The authorities in Kyiv have not commented further on the situation in the Kursk region. In his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only mentioned a consultation with Army Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Details will follow later," the head of state said. He also discussed the expansion of the Ukrainian rocket program with Defense Minister Rustem Ummerov.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that he had spoken with government members about the long-discussed smartphone program "Army+", which will allow commanders' reports to be digitally recorded in the future. "This will clearly make the daily tasks of commanders easier," the president emphasized. Later, this will also be made available to every soldier.
Ukrainian General Staff reports heavy use of Russian glide bombs near the border of the Sumy region, adjacent to Kursk. Around 30 glide bombs were reportedly dropped in the area. Additionally, a dozen or so locations were targeted by Russian artillery fire. The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing the use of an "Iskander-M" short-range missile with a cluster warhead, targeting a Ukrainian troop concentration near the Russian border in the Sumy region.
Unverifiable claims.
Border region evacuated
In light of heavy fighting in the Russian neighboring region of Kursk and Russian shelling, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of more settlements in the Sumy border region. The measures affect 23 settlements, with around 6,000 people, including over 400 children and adolescents, to be moved to safety.
The Ukrainian military expects intensified fighting in the eastern Kharkiv region, with the enemy using artillery, mortars, and multiple rocket launchers, suggesting plans to initiate active assaults, particularly around the border town of Vovchansk, which has been contested since May.
Heavy fighting continues in the Donetsk region, focusing on the city of Toretsk and the village of Novyi York (New York). An observed Ukrainian withdrawal east of Novyi York has not yet been officially confirmed.
Ukraine has been defending against Russian aggression for nearly two and a half years.
Given the escalation of the conflict, the Russian government decided to expand the state of emergency in the Kursk region to ensure the safety of its citizens. Amidst concerns about potential sabotage, further reinforcements have been dispatched to secure the Kursk nuclear power plant.
