August 14th 2024.
In Ukraine, the military is continuing their major cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region for a second week. According to the commander of the Ukrainian military, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the assault troops have made significant progress, advancing 1-2 kilometers in some parts of Kursk. This was reported in a video posted on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Telegram channel.
In addition to their territorial gains, the Ukrainian forces have also captured over 100 Russian soldiers and destroyed a Russian jet bomber. These actions are part of a massive attack on Russian military airfields, according to officials. This unexpected charge onto Russian soil has caused concern for the Kremlin, as it is the largest attack on Russia since World War II. Military analysts estimate that up to 10,000 Ukrainian troops, along with armor and artillery, are involved in the operation.
While the Ukrainian General Staff claims to have advanced into 1000 square kilometers of the Kursk region, this information has not been independently verified. If true, it would mean that in just one week, the Ukrainian forces have captured almost as much land as the Russian forces did in the first half of this year.
Overnight on Tuesday, the Ukrainian military also launched their biggest attack on Russian military airfields since the beginning of the conflict. According to a Ukrainian security official, the goal of this attack is to weaken Russia's air power advantage in the war. However, a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has reassured that their intention is not to occupy Russian territory, but to stop the firing of missiles from Kursk into Ukraine.
As the fighting intensifies, both sides have declared regional emergencies. Belgorod, a Russian border region, and Kursk, the target of the Ukrainian operation, have both declared emergencies. The governor of Belgorod has described the situation as "extremely difficult and tense," with homes being destroyed and civilians being injured. Around 5000 children have been moved to safety, and thousands of people have fled their homes.
It is unclear how or when Ukraine plans to extricate themselves from the territory they have taken. The Ukrainian military claims to control 74 settlements in the Kursk region, while Russian officials say that over 100,000 people have been evacuated.
A video report from a Russian town near the border, Sudzha, has been published by Ukrainian TV channel 1+1. The report shows burnt-out Russian military vehicles and Ukrainian soldiers providing aid to local residents and taking down Russian flags.
The situation has created a dilemma for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to US President Joe Biden. The Institute for the Study of War suggests that the operation is unlikely to shift the dynamics of the war, as the Russian authorities are hesitant to pull troops from the front line in Donetsk.
The operation has also caused embarrassment for the Kremlin, as Russian civilians are being directly affected by the attacks. A woman in Belgorod revealed that the Ukrainian shelling has caused a decrease in support for the war among the local population.
In his address on Tuesday, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for unity and efficiency in Ukraine, stating that they have proven their capabilities to defend their interests and independence. As the conflict continues, the world watches with bated breath for any updates on this ongoing situation.
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