By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies
In a bold and unprecedented move, Ukraine has established a military administrative office in Russia’s Kursk region, where its ongoing surprise incursion continues to unfold. The announcement was made by Ukraine’s top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrsky, who stated that the office is intended to “maintain law and order” and address the “immediate needs” of the local population.
The establishment of this office marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s deepest incursion into Russian territory since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Ukrainian forces are reportedly 35 kilometers inside the Kursk region, controlling 1,150 square kilometers of territory, including 82 settlements. This development comes on the 10th day of Ukraine’s incursion, which Kyiv has described as a strategic move rather than an attempt to annex Russian land.
In a video posted on social media, General Syrsky informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials that the office was created on “territories controlled by Ukraine.” This action is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to pressure Moscow into negotiating a “just peace,” as stated by Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy.
The Russian government, in response, has announced plans to send reinforcements to the Kursk region to “safeguard” the local population. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov confirmed that Moscow is taking steps to strengthen its military presence in the region. Additionally, Russia has declared a federal-level emergency in the neighboring Belgorod region, where 11,000 people were recently evacuated due to the escalating conflict.
Despite these measures, Russian officials have claimed that they have regained control of some lost territory. The Russian defense ministry announced the recapture of the Krupets settlement in the Kursk region, although Ukraine’s overall gains appear to remain substantial.
The incursion has also drawn international attention, particularly regarding the use of Western-supplied military equipment by Ukrainian forces. A UK source confirmed that British tanks have been used in the operation, although the UK Ministry of Defence has not officially commented on which specific weapons have been deployed. The ministry reiterated Ukraine’s “clear right” to use UK-supplied weapons for self-defense against Russia’s aggression.
The use of Western weapons in Ukraine’s incursion has raised concerns about potential escalation, particularly given Russia’s nuclear capabilities. The Kremlin has accused the West of being complicit in the attack, pointing to the involvement of Western-supplied equipment as evidence. While Western countries have provided Ukraine with various military resources, including tanks and missiles, they have so far restricted the use of long-range missiles to targets within Ukraine, including Crimea.
As the situation develops, the international community remains on edge, watching closely how both Ukraine and Russia will navigate this highly sensitive and potentially explosive phase of the conflict.