Ex-President’s Former Bodyguard Detained in Kyrgyzstan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has condemned Russia for bringing war to his country and insisted that they must face the consequences of their actions. This statement comes after Russia claimed to have repelled a surprise cross-border advance by Ukraine into its Kursk region.
Zelenskiy did not directly address the reported incursion by Ukraine, which Russia says has been ongoing for three days and involves up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops supported by tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery. However, he expressed support for the military action and called it “effective” and “exactly what our country needs now.”
Adviser to Zelenskiy, Mykhaylo Podolyak, indirectly blamed Russia for the escalation of tensions, stating that Russia’s aggression is the root cause of the conflict. He emphasized that Russia’s actions, including attempts to seize foreign territories and disregard for international law, are solely responsible for the current situation.
The situation has escalated with reports of clashes in the Kursk region, where Russian forces claim Ukrainian rockets have targeted civilian and residential areas. Acting governor of Kursk, Aleksei Smirnov, has declared a state of emergency following the military operation, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled as a “large-scale provocation.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry has reported thwarting Ukrainian forces’ attempts to breach districts in the Kursk region and claimed to have downed drones and missiles in the area. The conflict has also resulted in casualties, including civilian deaths on both sides of the border.
As tensions escalate, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The International Atomic Energy Agency is monitoring developments around Russia’s Kursk nuclear plant, while EU and US officials have reiterated Ukraine’s right to defend itself against aggression.
The conflict in the Kursk region underscores the volatile situation between Ukraine and Russia, with implications for regional stability and energy security. The international community continues to call for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
