Russia Declares ‘Federal Level’ Emergency in Ukraine-attacked Kursk

Russia’s Ministry for Emergencies on Friday declared the situation in the Kursk region a “federal level” emergency and sent reinforcements.

A "federal level" emergency refers to a crisis or situation that requires national attention and resources, beyond what local or regional authorities can handle. Russia declares a federal-level emergency when there are more than 500 victims or when damage exceeds 500 million rubles (approximately $6 million).

Russian state media reported that reinforcements are being brought into Kursk, including BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, heavy tracked vehicles, and Ural and Samaz trucks. 

The Ukrainian Army has reportedly obliterated a Russian military column consisting of 12 trucks transporting infantry reinforcements to the Kursk region, as per Visegrád 24, a news aggregator and social media source. The ambush occurred in the Rylsky district, resulting in the deaths of nearly 100 Russian soldiers. Additionally, Ukraine has reportedly struck another Russian military convoy in the Kursk region, destroying 19 vehicles and killing dozens of Russian soldiers. The attack took place near Oktyabroskoye in the Russian region of Kursk.

Polish public broadcaster Polskie Radio reported that in response to the ongoing Ukrainian attack, Russia has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Upto 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers are said to be involved in the operation. This declaration marks the first time Russian officials have publicly acknowledged the threat posed by Ukraine's incursion, the report this.

Related news: Ukraine Launches Rare Ground Assault into Russia's Kursk Region

"Yes, our men have died, that's a fact. The enemy has entered several settlements,” General Apti Alaudinov, the commander of Russia's Chechnya's Akhmat special forces was quoted as saying by reports.

According to Russian sources cited by the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, approximately 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers entered Russia as part of the incursion into Kursk.

The secrecy surrounding Ukraine's surprise attack has made it difficult for media outlets to verify these figures.

Earlier today, Russia evacuated people from four villages in the western Lipetsk region after Friday’s "massive” Ukrainian drone attack sparked explosions, power disruptions, and injured six people.

Russia Attacks Shopping Mall in Ukraine’s Donetsk

Meanwhile, a Russian plane-launched missile hit a Ukrainian shopping mall in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, killing at least 10 and wounding 35, authorities said. The mall, located in a residential area, was struck in broad daylight, sending thick black smoke into the air.