MOSCOW: Russia on Saturday launched a large-scale “counter-terror operation” across three border regions—Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk—in response to what it claims is Kyiv’s largest cross-border offensive since the conflict began two and a half years ago. The operation aims to halt the advancing Ukrainian troops and secure Russian territory.
The latest hostilities began early Tuesday morning when Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack, crossing into Russia’s western Kursk region and advancing several kilometers. Independent analysts confirm the Ukrainian incursion marks one of the most significant offensives in the protracted conflict, which has seen intermittent violence since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In response, Russia has mobilized additional troops, tanks, rocket launchers, and aviation units to counter the Ukrainian advance. The Russian national anti-terrorism committee announced late Friday that it would be implementing a series of emergency measures under the “counter-terror operation,” which includes the restriction of movement, vehicle seizures, phone monitoring, and the establishment of checkpoints in the affected regions.
The committee described Ukraine’s incursion as an “unprecedented attempt to destabilize” Russian territory and labeled it a “terrorist attack.” It has accused Ukrainian forces of wounding civilians and damaging residential buildings.
Under the expanded emergency powers granted during a “counter-terror operation,” Russian security forces and the military are authorized to take extensive measures to secure the region. These include enforcing movement restrictions, setting up no-go zones, and intensifying security around critical infrastructure sites.
Russia’s defence ministry has released footage showing tank crews engaging Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region and has reported an overnight airstrike. The ministry also claimed responsibility for downing 26 Ukrainian drones that attempted to target the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that Ukrainian forces are prepared to assertively defend their positions and has underscored the need for Russia to face consequences for its ongoing military actions. “Russia must feel the impact of the full-scale offensive it has launched against Ukraine,” Zelensky stated earlier this week.
