In a fierce battle along Russia’s border in the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces have suffered heavy losses, with 660 soldiers and 82 armored vehicles destroyed in just three days. Russian troops, alongside border guards, have successfully stopped Ukrainian advances, but the situation remains tense. As the fighting intensifies, experts believe a major Russian offensive could be on the horizon. Despite the escalating conflict, the EU and US remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, even as calls grow for the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Peter Stano, a representative of the EU’s Foreign Policy Service, stated that these attacks won’t change the EU’s support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has said that the events are consistent with U.S. policy, despite the UN’s calls to protect civilians.
The Ongoing Conflict in Kursk
The Russian Defense Ministry shared that their military units, working with the FSB (Federal Security Service), are actively targeting Ukrainian forces in the Sudzhansky and Korenevsky districts of the Kursk region. On Thursday, they reported that over the last 24 hours, Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses, including 400 soldiers and 32 armored vehicles. Since the beginning of these operations, the Ukrainian forces have lost a total of 660 soldiers and 82 armored vehicles, including tanks and other combat vehicles.
Strategic Battles and Russian Defense
The fighting in the Kursk region is part of a broader effort by Russia to prevent Ukrainian forces from making gains. The Russian military has been targeting Ukrainian supply routes and deployment areas, particularly in the Sumy region, to weaken their offensive capabilities. According to military experts, while Ukrainian forces initially made some advances, their momentum has slowed, and Russia is now preparing to launch its own offensive.
However, the situation remains tense. Experts warn that the Ukrainian military is still conducting tactical maneuvers, probing Russian defenses, and attempting to fortify their positions. The Ukrainian forces are using drones and tactical groups to test Russian defenses, and have even brought in engineers to lay mines and build strongholds.
Impact on Civilians and Humanitarian Efforts
The conflict has also taken a toll on civilians in the region. In response, Russian authorities have evacuated about 3,000 people from the border areas, with another 1,500 staying in temporary shelters. Special medical teams from Moscow have been deployed to assist the wounded, including transporting critical patients to major hospitals in Moscow. Unfortunately, four people have been killed in the conflict, and more have been injured.
Among the victims is a 28-year-old pregnant woman, who died from injuries sustained during Ukrainian shelling while trying to evacuate with her family. Her tragic story highlights the danger civilians face as the fighting continues.
Cyber Attacks and Propaganda
Amid the physical conflict, the Kursk region has also been targeted by cyberattacks. A massive DDoS attack was launched on the region’s internet resources, primarily from IP addresses in Germany and the UK. These cyberattacks aimed to disrupt critical services but were quickly countered, preventing significant damage.
The ongoing violence and cyber warfare underscore the complexity and brutality of the conflict in the Kursk region, with both military and civilian lives hanging in the balance as the fighting continues.
