Russia has begun evacuating tens of thousands of people from its Kursk region, which has been invaded by Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy acknowledged the operation in Kursk as part of Kyiv’s efforts to restore justice after Russia’s invasion. Over 76,000 people have been relocated to safe places, and at least 13 were injured in Kursk from debris after a missile strike. Russia’s defence ministry claimed they prevented Ukraine from advancing further into Kursk. The Kursk nuclear power station was also under a direct threat due to the conflict. Belarus reinforced its border with Ukraine after Ukrainian drones violated its airspace during the incursion into Kursk. In response, Ukraine attacked and damaged a former offshore gas platform used by Russian forces in the Black Sea. Three people were killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. Ukraine reported the lowest number of combat engagements since June 10 on its territory, indicating that incursions elsewhere may be relieving pressure.
In addition, Russia launched an air attack on Kyiv, which was repelled by Ukrainian air defence systems. President Zelenskiy also pledged to strengthen Ukrainian spiritual independence by potentially banning the branch of the Orthodox church with ties to Moscow. The conflict continues to escalate in the region, impacting civilians on both sides and raising concerns about the safety of critical infrastructure such as the Kursk nuclear power station.
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