Ukraine controls 1000 sq km of Russian territory

Ukrainian military forces have taken control of approximately 1000 square kilometers of Russian territory, according to Ukraine’s defense chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyj. This advancement is part of Ukraine’s most extensive incursion since Russia began its invasion in February 2022. The Ukrainian offensive, which began with a surprise attack a week ago, has pushed approximately 30 kilometers from the border into the Kursk region, neighboring Ukraine to the west. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the offensive a ‘great provocation’. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj suggests bringing the war into Russia, as Russia has done to other countries. Around 28 small towns have been captured by Ukrainian forces, resulting in 12 civilian casualties. The offensive has prompted evacuation orders in the region, most recently affecting 59,000 people. The situation remains challenging, and a senior British official warned that Russia might intensify attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure in response.