More than 70,000 civilians evacuated as Zelenskyy admits Ukraine is fighting in Russia

A photo posted Sunday on the official Telegram account of Kursk Mayor Igor Kutsak of a car and a residential building destroyed by a missile attack in Kursk.

U krainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are making significant advances into Russian territory, marking a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. During a video address on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's military operations are exerting the necessary pressure on the aggressor and bringing justice to the situation.

Russian Response and Security Measures

The incursion has prompted a stern response from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the Ukrainian advance as a "major provocation," while Russia's federal authorities have declared a state of national emergency. More than 76,000 people have been evacuated from the Kursk region, and a sweeping security regime has been imposed across three border regions. This includes measures to restrict movement and enhance surveillance, aimed at preventing further incursions and addressing perceived terrorist threats.

Videos circulating on social media depict Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region engaging in symbolic acts, such as stepping on Russian flags and raising Ukrainian flags over local buildings. These actions have exacerbated the already tense situation, with Russian authorities reporting continued fighting and civilian casualties.

Escalation of Hostilities

In response to the Ukrainian advance, Russia has ramped up its military activities. The Russian defense ministry reported the destruction of 14 Ukrainian drones and four ballistic missiles overnight. However, Russian General Valery Gerasimov's claims that Ukrainian forces have been halted have yet to be substantiated with concrete evidence of Ukrainian troop withdrawal.

In a related development, Belarus has increased its military presence along its border with Ukraine, citing violations of its airspace by Ukrainian drones. This move underscores the broader regional implications of the conflict.

Civilian Impact and International Allegations

The conflict's toll on civilians continues to rise. On Sunday, a 4-year-old boy and his father were killed, and three others were injured in Kyiv after debris from a downed Russian missile struck their home. Ukrainian officials have suggested that North Korean missiles were used in the attack, a claim supported by Commander Mykola Oleshchuk. The U.S. and South Korea had previously accused North Korea of supplying military equipment to Russia, though both Pyongyang and Moscow have denied these allegations.

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko urged residents to remain in shelters amid ongoing air raids, as Ukraine's air defense units remain on high alert. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, emphasized the need to target Russia's military infrastructure in response to the aggressions, asserting that Ukraine must rely on its military capabilities to counter the threat effectively.