- Large number of French and Polish troops involved in Ukraine offense
- Reports of Chemical weapons being used by Ukraine
- Ukraine force few km away from Russia nuclear plant
- Russia considering tactical nuke option
Kursk, Russia (Agencies): In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, thousands of Ukrainian troops backed by NATO have launched a large-scale incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, pushing as deep as 20 kilometers into Russian territory.
This marks the most significant advance by Ukrainian forces since the war began in 2022.
Reports indicate that a large number of French and Polish troops are also participating in the attack, with nearly four NATO-backed brigades involved.
There are also unverified reports that Ukrainian forces have used chemical weapons during the incursion.
Facing intense battles, Russia’s defense ministry stated that their armed forces are actively repelling the invasion.
In response to the gravity of the situation, Russia has imposed a security regime on three border regions and declared a federal emergency.
Russian authorities have evacuated 76,000 people from the Kursk region as a precautionary measure.
Ukrainian troops are reportedly just a few kilometers away from a Russian nuclear power plant and the last gas pumping station for the EU, highlighting the strategic importance of the area.
In response to the escalating situation, Russia is considering the use of tactical nuclear weapons if the conflict spirals out of control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, acknowledged the shift in the war’s dynamics, emphasizing Ukraine’s ability to exert pressure on Russian territory. He praised the Ukrainian forces for their advancements and highlighted the strategic importance of pushing the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders.
The situation remains fluid, with intense battles continuing to rage across the region, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments given the potential for further escalation and the involvement of NATO-backed forces.