The governor of Belgorod, Russia, has issued an evacuation order for civilians in one district due to increased military activity in Ukraine near the border. Russian forces are currently battling a Ukrainian offensive in the neighboring Kursk region. Kyiv has significantly ramped up military operations near Belgorod since August 6, leading to the evacuation of over 76,000 people from the border area in Kursk.
Russia has promised a strong reaction to Ukraine’s incursion into its territory, the biggest since 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has acknowledged the incursion as a move to “restore justice” and pressure Moscow’s forces. Russian forces have stabilized the front in Kursk but battles continue in certain areas.
Russia has imposed a security regime in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions while Belarus has increased troop numbers at its border in response to Ukrainian drones violating its airspace. The audacious attacks by Ukraine on Russian territory are believed to be a show of strength to the West and possibly a bargaining chip for ceasefire talks.
Russian forces, with significant numerical superiority, have been advancing along the 1,000km front line in eastern Ukraine this year, controlling 18% of Ukrainian territory. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military operations.
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