Ukraine has acknowledged launching a significant military operation into the Russian border regions of Kursk and Belgorod, involving thousands of troops across 14 brigades. The operation began on August 6th, although initial reports were unclear. Both Ukrainian authorities and Russian officials have since confirmed the incursion, while independent analysts have verified its scale by geolocating images posted by Ukrainian soldiers.

In recent developments, Ukraine's top military commander, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed that Ukrainian forces now control approximately 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of the region. This claim has been largely corroborated by Russian authorities. Alexei Smirnov, the acting governor of the Kursk region, informed President Vladimir Putin during a videoconference briefing that Ukrainian forces have taken control of 28 Russian settlements, including towns and villages up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) within Russian territory.

Footage from Guevo shows Ukrainian soldiers raising their national flag, while in Daryino, they are seen removing the Russian flag from a building. Damage to bridges and roads has been reported in Glushkovo, Kursk, and Belovsky district, suggesting intense combat operations.

Despite claims by Russian military bloggers that the situation has stabilized, reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have conducted recent operations in Sudzha and northern Zaoleshenka, with some bloggers claiming that Ukraine has seized Sudzha. Geolocated footage supports these claims. Ambushes on rival columns around Sudzha have been documented, including an ambush on Ukrainian forces in the village of Giri.

The Institute for the Study of War has assessed that Ukrainian forces do not control all territories within their claimed advance but are making significant progress. Smirnov reported that over 121,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the Kursk region due to the ongoing conflict, while approximately 11,000 have been evacuated from Belgorod region.

This large-scale operation by Ukraine has caught Moscow off guard, initially causing confusion in their response. However, since the weekend, Russia has announced a counter-terror operation in Kursk and two other border regions. The Russian defense ministry reported that its forces are engaged in combat with Ukrainian troops near Tolpino, Zhuravli, and Obshchy Kolodez settlements.

Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, warned of a tough response from Russia's armed forces. Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry claimed it had blocked an attempt by Ukrainian mobile groups to penetrate deep into Russian territory near Kauchuk.

In response to Ukraine's actions, Belarus has increased its troop numbers at its border, alleging that Ukraine has entered its airspace with drones. Analysts suggest that the toughest phase of Ukraine's operation is yet to come as Russian reserves join the fight.

While details of Ukraine's operation remain secretive and its objectives unclear, this advance brings Ukrainian forces closer to key supply lines inside Russian territory that support Russia's ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, stated that the operation aims to pressure Russia and push the war onto Russian territory in response to numerous strikes launched from the Kursk region.

Speaking at a security meeting, President Putin suggested that Ukraine's goal is to achieve a better negotiating position in possible future talks to end the war. He also claimed that the assault has increased the number of volunteers joining the Russian military. Putin emphasized that Russia's main task is to drive Ukrainian forces out of their territories and secure the state border alongside border services.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with significant implications for regional stability.