Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged on Saturday that Ukraine is conducting a military offensive in Russian territory, aiming to push the war into the aggressor’s territory. This comes as reports indicate attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region since last week.
Zelenskyy stated, “Ukraine is proving that it really knows how to restore justice and guarantees exactly the kind of pressure that is needed … pressure on the aggressor,” in reference to Russia.
The nature of the military operation and its exact aims remain unclear, with Ukrainian military officials refraining from commenting. However, military experts believe the operation is intended to divert Russian reserves from the fighting in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Additionally, a presidential adviser suggested that it may strengthen Kyiv’s position in future negotiations with Russia.
On the other hand, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of committing terrorist attacks through the incursion in Kursk, stating that Russia’s response will be swift.
The Russian military reported fighting with Ukrainian forces in Kursk since Aug. 6, with President Putin labeling it a “large-scale provocation.”
Both Kyiv and Moscow deny targeting civilians in the conflict, which has resulted in casualties and displacement of thousands of people.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have destroyed ballistic missiles and drones in Kursk, according to state-run media reports.
Amid the conflict, concerns have been raised about the proximity of the fighting to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, with the head of the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency urging both sides to exercise caution to prevent a potential nuclear accident.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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