Zelensky Confirms Ukrainian Troops Inside Russia Amid Kursk Incursion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially acknowledged that Kyiv’s forces are engaged in combat inside Russia, following a surprising incursion into the Kursk region that has significantly embarrassed the Kremlin. In a statement during his nightly address on Saturday, Zelensky praised Ukrainian troops for their role in “restoring justice” and exerting crucial pressure on Russia. This marks the first time Ukrainian officials have confirmed the operation, despite the incursion having been revealed through various reports and images.

The operation into Kursk, which began days ago, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Previously, Ukrainian forces had targeted the border regions of Belgorod and occasionally conducted limited cross-border attacks, but the Kursk operation is the first instance of regular Ukrainian and special operations units entering Russian territory.

Russian authorities have been scrambling to address the situation, implementing a large-scale counter-terrorism operation in Kursk and neighboring regions. The response has included the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from Kursk as Moscow seeks to contain the advancing Ukrainian forces.

In his address, Zelensky also highlighted another development in the conflict, accusing Russia of using the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant as a tool for blackmail. He released footage showing smoke emanating from one of the plant’s towers, but noted that radiation levels remained normal. Russia, in turn, has accused Ukraine of initiating the fire.

The incursion into Kursk, now in its sixth day, has intensified the conflict, with Ukrainian forces reportedly advancing up to 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) into Russian territory. Zelensky emphasized the need for a “fair response” to the approximately 2,000 strikes launched from the Kursk region against Ukraine’s Sumy region since the summer. He asserted that each attack on Ukrainian soil demands retaliation.

In response, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on Sunday that it had intercepted a Ukrainian assault involving drones and Tochka-U tactical missiles. According to the ministry, Russian forces destroyed 14 drones and four Tochka-U missiles over Kursk, 16 drones over Voronezh, and additional drones over Belgorod, Bryansk, and Oryol regions. The ongoing conflict marked by these new developments highlights the increasing volatility and complexity of the war between these two neighbours.