Russia has evacuated parts of another region bordering Ukraine just days after Kyiv launched the first foreign invasion into Russia since the Second World War. Ukrainian forces rammed through the Russian border early on Tuesday and swept across some western parts of Russia’s Kursk region, forcing the evacuation of some 76,000. However, Moscow on Monday began evacuating thousands in the neighbouring Belgorod region to the south after Kyiv sharply increased military activity near the border. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor, said residents of the Krasnaya Yaruga district were being moved to “safer places” due to the threat of “enemy activity on the border”.
Kyiv has deployed thousands of troops to the surprise operation, military officials said, seizing the battlefield initiative after months of slow Russian advances across the east. The assault seemed to catch the Kremlin off guard, with Moscow’s army on Sunday admitting that Ukraine had been able to penetrate its territory by up to 20 miles in places. This unexpected move has led to increased tension and escalated the conflict between the two nations.
In response to the invasion, Russia’s ministry of defense released footage purporting to show three strikes on Ukrainian armored vehicles inside the border region of Kursk, which Kyiv invaded last week. The conflict has also resulted in billions of dollars and euros reaching Russia despite sanctions, highlighting the challenges of enforcing economic restrictions during times of war.
Fleeing Russians have described abandoning their homes and running for their lives as local government control collapsed in the Kursk region. Panic spread quickly through villages as Kyiv’s forces staged the first foreign invasion of Russian soil since the Second World War. This invasion has led to a humanitarian crisis and displaced many residents who are now seeking safety in other parts of the country.
The UN’s nuclear watchdog has condemned the reckless attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been occupied by Russian forces. The attacks on the plant have raised concerns about nuclear safety and the risk of a nuclear accident in the region. This further complicates the already volatile situation in Ukraine and poses a significant threat to the surrounding areas.
Furthermore, China has urged all sides in the Ukraine war to de-escalate as Kyiv’s forces advance into Beijing ally Russia’s Kursk border region. This call for de-escalation highlights the international concern over the conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The evolving situation in Ukraine continues to impact the region and has far-reaching consequences for both the local population and the international community. As the conflict intensifies, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and seek a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation and potential humanitarian disasters.
