MOSCOW – Russia on Monday issued evacuation orders for civilians from parts of Belgorod as a surprise counteroffensive launched by Ukraine gains further momentum.

Moscow also confirmed that the Ukrainian forces had marched 30 kilometers deep into Russian territory.

Last week, Ukrainian forces swept across some western parts of Kursk region in their biggest incursion into Russia territory since the start of the 2022 war.

Russia had earlier stated that 76,000 people had been evacuated from border areas in Kursk after the local authorities announced state of emergency.

THE INCURSION

Belgorod is located south of Kursk. The two regions border the western Ukraine which wants to minimize the increasing pressure in the eastern parts of country where Russian forces made some gains in recent months.

According to Russian war bloggers, Ukrainian forces in Kursk were trying to encircle Sudzha, where Russian natural gas flows into Ukraine. Major battles were underway near Korenevo around 22 kilometers from the border.

Ukraine says thousands of troops are taking part in the attack with an aim to stretch the enemy positions, inflict maximum losses and to destabilize the situation in Russia.

On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had launched an incursion into Russian territory to “restore justice” and pressure Moscow’s forces.

THE F-16s

Last week also saw Ukraine receiving the first batch of American-made F-16 fighter jets. It hopes to acquire more of these aircraft in coming months.

The fighter jets have now enabled Ukraine to carry out airstrikes deep into the Russian territory.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and now controls 18% of Ukrainian territory. Russian forces, which have a vast numerical supremacy, have been advancing this year along the 1,000 kilometers front after the failure of Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive to make any major gains.

ATTACK IS BEST DEFENSE

One of the basic purposes of this counteroffensive is prevent Russia from launching a large-scale attack. Kyiv also wants Moscow to disperse its forces along the front, which can also enable to make gains on other fronts too.

Expanding the war theater into Russia may also fuel anti-war sentiments within the country. President Vladimir Putin has so far been able to maintain a massive support for the ongoing war which started a mere “special operation”. Things, however, can change as the Russians will now feel the heat right at their home.