Kyiv, August 13 — Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, has claimed that Ukrainian forces now control at least 1,000 square kilometers within Russia's Kursk region. This development marks the largest cross-border incursion by Ukraine since the war began over two and a half years ago. The British media outlet BBC reported these claims on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.

Commander Syrsky stated that Ukrainian troops are actively conducting offensive operations in the Kursk region, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. This advancement by Ukrainian forces into Russian territory represents a bold strategic move, intensifying the already severe tensions between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the situation, asserting that the war, which Russia initially brought to Ukraine, is now being brought back to Russian soil. His comments reflect a broader sentiment in Ukraine of taking the fight directly to Russia as the conflict drags on with no immediate resolution in sight.

In response to the Ukrainian incursion, Russian authorities have evacuated approximately 121,000 residents from the Kursk region. Kursk's acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, described the situation as "very difficult" during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He further confirmed that Ukrainian forces now control 28 villages in the region, leaving around 2,000 Russian citizens still in the areas under Ukrainian control.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed a "worthy response" to Ukraine's offensive, indicating that the conflict could escalate further in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with both sides bracing for continued military confrontations.