President Vladimir Putin on Monday directed his military to expel Ukrainian troops who crossed into southwestern Russia’s Kursk region last week, as local authorities reported that over 120,000 residents have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
The surprise Ukrainian offensive began on Tuesday, marking the most significant cross-border incursion on Russian soil since World War II.
Ukrainian forces captured more than two dozen settlements in the Kursk region, penetrating up to 12 kilometers (7 miles) and establishing a new front approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) long.
In a televised meeting with government officials, Putin condemned the Ukrainian operation, accusing it of aiming to destabilize Russia and spread fear among its citizens.
“One of the obvious goals of the enemy is to sow discord, strife, intimidate people, destroy the unity and cohesion of Russian society,” he stated. “The main task is, of course, for the defense ministry to dislodge the enemy from our territories.”
Regional governor Alexei Smirnov briefed Putin during the meeting, reporting that an estimated 121,000 people have fled the affected areas in the Kursk region.
The fighting has resulted in at least 12 civilian deaths and 121 injuries. In response to the escalating situation, authorities announced an expansion of the evacuation zone to include the Belovsky district, home to approximately 14,000 residents.
The neighboring Belgorod region also declared the evacuation of its border district, Krasnoyaruzhsky.
The Ukrainian advance, according to a Ukrainian official who spoke to AFP, is part of a broader strategy to stretch Russian military resources and create instability after months of Russian advances along the front line.
The official emphasized that the operation’s objective was to challenge Russian forces and demonstrate Ukraine’s capability to strike deep into Russian territory.
Putin, addressing the nation, vowed that Russia would respond to the Ukrainian incursion by supporting affected civilians and bolstering military recruitment.
“The enemy will receive a worthy riposte,” he asserted, adding that there had been an increase in men signing up to fight.
The sudden Ukrainian offensive has drawn international attention, with analysts suggesting that it could signal a new phase in the conflict.
The scale and audacity of the operation have raised questions about the effectiveness of Russia’s defensive measures and the potential for further Ukrainian incursions.
Local residents in the Kursk region have expressed fear and uncertainty as the conflict disrupts daily life.
“We are scared for our families and our future,” said one evacuee who wished to remain anonymous. “We never expected the war to come to our homes.”
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in the Kursk region.
The Ukrainian government has yet to provide a detailed statement on the offensive, while Russia’s response will likely shape the next phase of this protracted conflict.
The unprecedented cross-border attack underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the war, with both sides seeking to gain strategic advantages.
The humanitarian impact continues to grow, with thousands displaced and communities disrupted by the intensifying violence.