Ukrainian troops have just entered the Russian territory of Kursk. The Ukraine conflict has been in a stalemate for some time, with lots of trench warfare with little gain. To draw attention away from the more southern frontlines, Ukraine has sent some troops into Kursk. This event has forced Russian officials to declare a federal-level emergency in Kursk and surrounding areas.
On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the AP News made a statement that The Ukrainian services and Army have been striking into populated territories of Russia. They led a surprise attack on Kursk that began on August 6th with troops invading with tanks and armored vehicles. As many as 10,000 soldiers were involved in this surprise attack.
Ukrainian troops have been moving towards what they call a “buffer zone” inside of the Kursk region. The interior minister Ihor Klymenko said, “More than 20,000 people had been evacuated.” The Sumy city, which shares a long border with Russian territory, Klymenko said Wednesday that during this summer, “the Russians launched more than 2,000 strikes on the territory of the Sumy region.”
Russian President Putin addressed the incursion on Monday, “The enemy will certainly receive a worthy response.”, He concluded. This month marks the 29th month of Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian Territory and a continuation of major Russian losses. According to US officials, Russian casualties are approaching 300,000, up to 120,000 of them deaths, which many believe to be a major underestimate. Ukraine, however, reported a much higher number.
On August 14th, 2024, Newsweek reported that NATO members responded to this in a positive fashion such as Poland. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, “Ukraine has every right to wage war in such a way as to paralyze Russia.”
It came as a surprise to NATO members, however, President Joe Biden was reported by AP News on August 14th, 2024, to have said that the Kursk invasion was “creating a real dilemma for Putin.” Even so, it’s unclear how long the US administration was aware of the Ukrainian plan to counterattack the Russians on their soil.
And as usual, people here in school have their own opinions. Like Victor Re in the 10th grade “Them re-invading Kursk will benefit Ukraine in the war and establish ground.” along with Isabella Fontalvo in the 11th grade said, “I think that it’s unfortunate, but necessary at the same time since Ukraine needs some type of defense against Russia, who is fighting to conquer their land. Of course, invasion sounds negative, which in most cases is negative, but Ukraine needs to fight for its country and the only way is to fight back. So invasion may come with suffering, but at the end of the day both countries are in conflict which will always result in violence, aggression, and invasion.”
In conclusion, all reports point to the incursion being swift and unexpected, Showing the inadequacy of the current Russian army. However, this doesn’t mean Russia is out of the conflict. In reality, all it will do is divert Russian resources from the southern frontlines of Ukraine to Kursk.
