UKRAINE PUSH INTO RUSSIA’S KURSK: WHAT’S HAPPENING, WHY NOW

Why in the news?

In the Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian troops are said to have moved 30 kilometres into Russian territory. This could be Kyiv’s largest foray into Russia since the war started in 2022. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, the goal of this offensive is “restoring justice.”

UKRAINE PUSH INTO RUSSIA'S KURSK: WHAT'S HAPPENING, WHY NOW - UPSC

Current Situation

  • Details of the incursion: Three Ukrainian brigades are engaged in combat with Russian forces in the area of Tolpino and Obshchy Kolodez, which are around 25 to 30 kilometres from the border between Russia and Ukraine.
  • Evacuations: Since local officials declared a state of emergency, about 76,000 people have been taken out of the area.
  • Strategic Goals of the Attack: Military analysts speculate that Ukraine may be trying to seize as much territory as it can or to reroute Russian soldiers to other fronts, however the precise goals of the attack are unknown.
  • Potential Targets: Ukrainian forces may decide to strike the nearby infrastructure and the nuclear power facility in Kursk.
About Kursk Region

  • On Russia’s southwest border, the city of Kursk serves as the administrative hub of the Kursk oblast, or region.
  • It is located in the middle of Russia’s European region.
  • It is situated roughly 280 miles (450 km) south of Moscow along the upper Seym River.
  • Because of the rich soil, it is situated in the region referred to as the Black Earth territory.
  • The climate is classified as moderately continental.