President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Ukraine had initiated an incursion into Russian territory, specifically the western Kursk region, as part of an effort to "restore justice" and put pressure on Moscow's forces. This marks Kyiv's most significant offensive into Russian territory since the war began, catching the Kremlin off-guard and leading to intense battles that have persisted for six days.

In response, Russia has ramped up its defenses, with authorities evacuating residents and imposing strict security measures in three border regions. Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, also increased its troop presence along its border with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of airspace violations.

Zelenskiy discussed the operation with top Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, emphasizing that Ukraine's actions are intended to push the conflict onto Russian territory and apply necessary pressure on the aggressor. He highlighted Ukraine's capability to restore justice and responded to Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.

Russia's defense ministry claimed to have destroyed 14 Ukrainian drones and four Tochka-U tactical ballistic missiles over the Kursk region, as well as 18 drones over other frequently targeted regions. Despite these defenses, Ukrainian forces have managed to occupy several tens of square kilometers within Russia, though without claiming the territory. In contrast, Russia continues to control over 100,000 square kilometers of Ukraine's internationally recognized territory.

Russian General Valery Gerasimov stated that the Ukrainian attacks had been halted, but Ukrainian forces have not been pushed back across the border. Military bloggers noted that while the situation has stabilized with Russian reinforcements, Ukraine is rapidly building up its forces in the region.

Injuries were reported in the Kursk city after debris from a destroyed Ukrainian missile struck a residential building, injuring 13 people. Kursk officials have ordered expedited evacuations in at-risk areas, with over 76,000 people already evacuated, according to Russia's TASS state news agency.

Both Kyiv and Moscow deny targeting civilians, although the war has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displaced Ukrainians. Zelenskiy called on Western partners to provide Ukraine with long-range capabilities to strike deep inside Russia, suggesting that such capabilities would help bring an end to the conflict.

In response to the situation in Kursk, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova appealed to the United Nations, demanding a condemnation of Ukraine's actions and seeking measures to prevent further violations of human rights.