The Ukrainian officials claim its aim is to destabilize Russia and increase military capabilities. Russia acknowledged on Sunday that Ukrainian troops had advanced deep into the Kursk border area.
Russian military briefing confirmed that Ukrainian forces had advanced 30 kilometers into Russian territory. The Ukrainian attack, now in its sixth day, has reportedly alerted the Kremlin. Due to which the Russian Army has been forced to deploy reserve troops, aviation and drones to thwart it. “The aim is to aggravate the enemy’s positions, to cause maximum damage because they are unable to defend their border,” a Ukrainian security official said, according to an AFP report.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of starting the fire to “blackmail” Kiev. Whereas Russia claimed that Ukrainian shelling was responsible for this. Later on Sunday, both countries traded blame for a fire at the Zaporizhia nuclear plant in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine.
“No impacts on nuclear security have been reported, but concerns remain high amid the escalating conflict,” the IAEA said. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), whose experts are stationed at the plant, confirmed that there was no nuclear leak.
Kolodez is about 25 to 30 kilometers from the Russia-Ukraine border. More than 76,000 civilians have been evacuated from the area, with additional evacuations ongoing. Amid the escalating conflict, Russia has declared a state of local emergency in Kursk and neighboring areas and launched an “anti-terrorist operation” to regain control. It’s scary to have helicopters flying overhead all the time. Marina, a resident, who fled to Moscow by train.
Ukraine prepared to retaliate While Ukraine’s attack has been praised by some civilians, including those in the affected Sumy region, fears are growing of massive Russian retaliation. Ukrainian officials feared missile attacks possibly targeting key decision-making centers in Ukraine. The Russian forces have continued their offensive in eastern Ukraine, with the intensity of the attack slowing down slightly. Analysts suggest Kiev’s offensive may be an attempt to relieve pressure on its forces on other fronts. The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaged in high-risk conflict.
Zaporozhye nuclear plant fire, blame game on fuel
