Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have gained control over 1,000 square kilometers in the Kursk region of Russia, marking the largest cross-border offensive in over two and a half years of conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted this as a tu ing point, suggesting the war has come back to Russia. In contrast, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the offensive a 'major provocation' and ordered his military to reclaim the occupied territory.

The offensive led to the evacuation of 121,000 people from 28 villages, with casualties reported. While the Ukrainian advance has reportedly boosted morale within its ranks, it also introduces new risks. Analysts and a senior British military source wa that the incursion could provoke harsher Russian retaliation against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

In response to the incursion, the gove ors of the Kursk and Belgorod regions issued evacuation and missile safety wa ings. Despite the operation being deemed 'brilliant' and 'bold' by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, it has raised conce s in Russia about border security. The situation has also prompted Belarus, a Russian ally, to increase troop numbers along its border following claims of Ukrainian drone incursions.