Moscow Rushes To Send Troops As Ukrainian Forces Push Deep Into Russia's Kursk Region

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on Russia’s Kursk region, taking control of important land and testing Russian defenses.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a Security Council meeting on Friday after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on Russia’s western Kursk region. This is the biggest challenge Putin has faced since the Wagner mercenary uprising in June 2023.

Ukrainian troops crossed the border, taking control of about 100 square miles of territory in Kursk. The attack showed weaknesses in Russian intelligence and planning, raising doubts about the country’s military readiness.

The attack caught Russian defenses unprepared, causing significant damage and loss of life. A Russian business executive, speaking anonymously, said the incident was a major blow to the reputation of Russian leaders and the military.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, a Russian strike on a supermarket in Kostiantynivka killed at least 14 people and injured 37 others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and promised that Russia would face consequences.

In response to the incursion, Russian military bloggers reported ongoing fighting across Kursk. Some experts worry it could take time to regain the seized territory, giving Ukraine a possible advantage in future peace talks.

Andrey Gurulyov, a Russian parliament member and former military commander, criticized the military’s failure to stop the attack. He called for an investigation into why defense forces were moved from the region ahead of the assault, despite warnings from intelligence.

Unverified videos showed Ukrainian forces using Western-supplied weapons in the attack, raising fears about further escalation. A Russian academic warned that this could lead to serious consequences but might not change the overall military situation.

As Russian forces prepare to fight back, the situation remains tense. The outcome could affect future talks and impact the course of the conflict.