CNN — Russia claims it halted a Ukrainian incursion into its territory on Thursday, but recent evidence suggests that fighting is still ongoing in the Kursk region.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its “North” forces, along with the Federal Security Service (FSB), are continuing to engage Ukrainian troops in the Sudzhensky and Korenevsky districts, which are near the border with Ukraine.
Ukraine has not confirmed any ground operations inside Russia, and neither the Ukrainian military nor the Kyiv government has commented on the situation.
Russia alleged that Ukrainian forces crossed into its Kursk region on Tuesday, launching a “massive attack” and trying to breach Russian defenses. However, details about the attack’s impact, such as whether Ukrainian troops captured any areas or caused significant damage, remain unclear.
According to TASS, the Russian Health Ministry reported that 34 people injured in the shelling are receiving treatment, with nine evacuated to Moscow.
CNN has reviewed footage from Sudzha, a town near the border, showing damaged streets and wrecked vehicles. The timing of the video—whether from Wednesday or Thursday—is not clear.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that attempts by Ukrainian units to advance further into Kursk are being repelled, claiming that the Ukrainians have suffered significant losses. However, these claims remain unverified.
Russian military bloggers have described the situation as challenging, noting communication issues and injuries among journalists. Mick Ryan, a war analyst, suggested that Ukraine has deployed experienced units in this attack, which appears to be making an impact.
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based conflict monitoring group, reported that Ukrainian forces made confirmed advances of up to 10 kilometers into the Kursk region on Wednesday.
Kyiv Stays Silent on Reports of Incursion
The Ukrainian military and government in Kyiv haven’t commented on the reported cross-border attack and haven’t responded to CNN’s questions.
Ukraine’s allies have mostly stuck to general statements, affirming Ukraine’s right to defend itself. Peter Stano, the EU’s foreign affairs spokesperson, told Suspilne News that international law allows Kyiv to defend itself, including striking back if attacked on its own soil.
It’s still unclear why Ukrainian forces would launch an attack of the scale described by Russian officials.
Ukrainian troops are facing mounting pressure along the 600-mile frontline as Russia continues its slow offensive. Kyiv has started receiving new US military aid since May, but troop shortages persist because many new recruits are still in training.
If the incursion is confirmed, it could be a strategic move by Kyiv to distract Russian forces and lift the morale of its own troops and civilians, especially given the recent challenges on the battlefield. It might also be a way to show Russia’s civilian population that the war is making Russia vulnerable to attacks.
Russian military blogger Rybar reported that Ukrainian forces have taken control of a key gas transit station near the border, which he claims is the only one carrying Russian gas to Ukraine and Europe. CNN hasn’t been able to confirm this report.
The EU has imposed broad economic sanctions on Russia but kept some exceptions for key natural gas imports. Despite reducing its reliance on Russian gas—from 45% in 2021 to 15% in 2023—some Russian gas still flows through Ukraine to Europe during the ongoing conflict.