Russia battles thousands of Ukrainian troops after Kursk incursion

Russia fought intense battles against thousands of Ukrainian troops on Saturday, following Ukraine’s largest incursion on Moscow’s territory since the start of the war in 2022. 

Ukrainian troops have reportedly pushed as deep as 20km into the Russian territory of Kursk. 

Kyiv’s forces had launched an attack over the Russian border on Tuesday, sweeping across Kursk in a surprise attack supported by drones and artillery fire. 

Russia’s defence ministry said on Saturday that “the armed forces continue to repel the attempted invasion by the Ukrainian armed forces,” adding that fighting was focused around settlements 10-20km inside Russia. 

In a sign of the gravity of the attack, Russia imposed a security regime on three border regions on Saturday. Russia also announced a federal emergency following the assault. 

Russia evacuated 76,000 people from the Kursk region following the incursion, according to the Tass news agency. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that the war is moving onto Russian territory during an address on Saturday, highlighting Ukraine’s efforts to push the conflict beyond its borders. 

He praised the Ukrainian forces for their efforts, saying that he noted reports from military officials concerning their advancements. 

Zelenskyy also emphasised Ukraine’s ability to exert pressure on the aggressor, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict as it extends into Russian territory.