Ukraine Launches Rare Ground Assault into Russia's Kursk Region

Ukraine has launched an armored assault into Russia's southern Kursk region, marking the first such incursion since the war began.

The attack, which started on August 6, involved up to 300 Ukrainian personnel from the 22nd Mechanized Brigade, 11 tanks, and 20 combat vehicles. A day ago, on August 6, at about eight in the morning, units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attempted to break through in the area of Nikolayevo-Daryino and Oleshnya. Another group of about 100 people tried to break through in the Sudzhansky district.

This incursion is likely a strategic maneuver by Ukraine to force Russia to divert resources to strengthen its border defenses, potentially weakening its front-line forces.

Russian Aerospace Forces provided support and destroyed equipment throughout Ukrainian territory. The battle is ongoing, with reports of casualties on both sides.

Kursk's acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, confirmed five deaths, including two ambulance crew members, and at least 20 injuries, with six children among the wounded.

The Russian defense ministry has sent reserves to repel the Ukrainian fighters, describing the situation as a "controllable" border incident.

"The enemy today launched another attempt to break into the territory of Russia's Kursk region," Russian ministry statement said. "Artillery fire, army aviation strikes, and drone strikes are being inflicted on the enemy."

Ukraine's general staff has not confirmed the offensive, instead reporting Russian strikes on border villages.

The rare ground incursion comes as Ukraine continues to fire artillery and missiles into Russian territory, with long-range drones striking targets deep inside Russia. The purpose of the Ukrainian offensive remains unclear, but it marks a significant escalation in the conflict.

Smirnov announced on Telegram earlier today that all emergency services in Kursk Oblast have been placed on high alert. In a message to residents, he stated, "Over the past 24 hours, our region has been courageously repelling attacks by Ukrainian forces. As a precautionary measure, all emergency services are now on high alert." He had previously reported that the Ukrainians attempted to breach the border in the Sudzhansky and Korenevsky districts yesterday morning.

The Russian Arms Telegram channel reported that the Russian military is preparing for massive Ukrainian missile and artillery strikes in the Kursk region, targeting energy facilities and Russian reserves. The Ukrainians attempted a strike with six HIMARS MLRS against Kurchatov but were intercepted by Russian air defense systems. Intense infantry battles are ongoing along highways 38K-030 and 38N-609, with Russian UAVs tracking Ukrainian advances. Russian forces are utilizing Lancet-3 kamikaze UAVs and Tornado-G MLRS to suppress Ukrainian troop movements and air defense systems