New phase in the war between Ukraine and Russia

By Brenda Estefan

In a significant breakthrough that marks a milestone in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as of August 6 the Ukrainian army has made a successful incursion into the Kursk region of western Russia. According to reports from Kiev, this operation has enabled Ukrainian forces to take control of more than 1,250 km² and 92 localities, in addition to capturing hundreds of Russian soldiers. As a result, more than 120,000 Russian civilians have been evacuated from the region via train to seek refuge in Moscow. 

Russian military intelligence failed to anticipate the attack and Ukrainian forces broke through two Russian defense lines with surprising ease, revealing that the border between the two countries is more vulnerable than previously thought. Ukraine has managed to advance more kilometers into Russian territory in just a fortnight than Russia has in the last nine months of fighting in Ukraine.

Aiming to consolidate their advances, Ukrainian troops have destroyed three bridges, a move calculated to disrupt communication routes and hinder any response from the Russian army.