In the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Ukrainian army has launched an attack on Russia's Kursk region, aiming to bring Moscow to the negotiating table for peaceful talks to end the war. Ukrainian forces claim to have made significant advancements, setting up a military office inside Russia to cater to the immediate needs of the local population. However, the conflict continues to intensify, with Russian forces pushing closer to the outskirts of Pokrovsk after fierce fighting in recent days.

The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk has led to further tensions between the two nations. While Ukraine's army chief asserts that they have gained several kilometers of territory, Moscow claims to have repelled attacks in multiple areas and has resorted to digging defensive trenches to fortify its position. Despite the intentions of the attack being to foster peace talks, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine and Russian forces advancing further towards Pokrovsk.

In a related development, a bridge over the Seym River in the Kursk region has collapsed, allegedly as a result of a Ukrainian strike, according to Alexsei Smirnov, the acting governor of the region. This incident is expected to impede Russia's ability to supply their troops in the area. Images of the collapsed bridge have been circulating on a pro-Kremlin Telegram channel, with an adviser to the acting governor confirming the collapse. The bridge had reportedly been previously targeted and sustained damage to its road surface.

Meanwhile, under the heavy attack of Ukrainian forces, residents from five villages along the border with Ukraine in Russia's Belgorod region will be evacuated, as announced by Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the region. The ongoing assault has prompted authorities to close access to these settlements and implement evacuation measures in the coming days.

In an effort to assist Ukraine in its war effort, the European Union (EU) has provided the country with two mine-clearing machines and specialized de-mining tools. Valued at over €1.8 million (£1.5 million), this aid is part of a larger de-mining package worth €25 million (£21 million) that the EU had announced last year. The machines, "Vira" (meaning "Faith") and "Lyubov" (meaning "Love"), along with the previously delivered "Nadiya" (meaning "Hope"), aim to accelerate the demining process and reduce the risks posed to civilian populations by explosive remnants of war.

As the conflict intensifies, prospects for peaceful negotiations continue to wane. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with ongoing fighting and escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. International efforts to quell the violence and find a diplomatic solution are critical in order to bring stability to the region and alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by the war.