Ukrainian troops now up to 30km inside Russia, Moscow says

Ukrainian troops have reportedly advanced up to 30 kilometers into Russia's Kursk region, marking the most significant incursion since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022. The Russian defense ministry confirmed engagements with Ukrainian forces near the villages of Tolpino and Obshchy Kolodez, as the offensive entered its sixth day. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the attacks, highlighting that Russia had launched 2,000 cross-border strikes from Kursk this summer. A senior Ukrainian official stated that thousands of troops are involved in the operation, which aims to stretch Russian defenses and inflict maximum losses. Ukrainian forces have claimed to capture several settlements, including Guevo, where they removed a Russian flag. Reports indicate that Ukrainian armored vehicles are moving towards the border, and aerial footage shows combat occurring within Russian territory. In response, Russia has declared a state of emergency in the Kursk region and reported evacuations of 76,000 residents. Meanwhile, missile strikes in the Kyiv region resulted in civilian casualties, and Russian forces have been accused of shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, although no radiation spikes were reported. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations from both sides.

- Ukrainian troops have advanced 30 km into Russia's Kursk region.

- The incursion is the largest coordinated attack by Ukrainian conventional forces.

- Russia has declared a state of emergency and evacuated 76,000 people from border areas.

- President Zelensky emphasized the need for a response to Russian cross-border attacks.

- Ongoing military operations continue to escalate tensions between Ukraine and Russia.