The Ukrainian military claims to have shot down a Russian fighter jet in Kursk, Russia, according to Ukrainian media reports. Kyiv also claims that since the start of operations on Russian soil, it has captured 100 prisoners of war.

At the same time, U.S. officials who spoke to the Wall Street Journal stated that Russia has withdrawn some of its troops from Ukraine in response to attacks within its territory.

It remains unclear how many troops have been withdrawn, according to the officials, and Washington is still trying to understand the significance of Russia’s move, as the troops continue to battle to repel the Ukrainian invasion more than a week after it began. Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations showed footage and photos of residents evacuating the area, boarding buses with their belongings.

Although Moscow claims it has begun to repel the attack in Kursk, the governor of neighboring Belgorod declared a regional state of emergency in the early hours, citing ongoing Ukrainian attacks.

Ukraine Airs Footage of Lowering the Russian Flag

Ukrainian television, in a report broadcast by a journalist in the city, showed Ukrainian troops lowering the Russian flag from a building in Kursk.

The footage showed a three-story building in the city of Sudzha and three soldiers lowering the flag while shouting “Glory to Ukraine.”

Although Moscow claims to be repelling the attack, the governor of neighboring Belgorod declared a regional state of emergency early this morning, citing ongoing Ukrainian attacks.

Residents of cities and villages in Kursk continue to leave their homes as Ukraine’s invasion of the border region persists. Approximately 121,000 people have been evacuated or have left the affected areas on their own.

Russian Drone Hits Ukrainian Energy Facility

Attacks continue in Ukraine as well, where an energy facility was hit overnight by a Russian drone, causing temporary power outages.

Earlier, the Ukrainian military stated that it had shot down 17 of the 23 Russian drones involved in the nighttime attack. No casualties have been reported.

Ukraine’s Objectives

A defense analyst for Sky News stated that Ukraine is not trying to conquer Russia. Instead, its invasion is a strategic countermeasure.

The attack, considered relatively small, creates insecurity at the border, and the planning bothers Russian authorities.

Moreover, the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from Kursk indicates that the attacks, despite Russia’s attempts to downplay them, are having an impact.

Ukraine has already stated that it is not interested in seizing Russian territory but wants to protect lives. “It’s a military tactic… if it succeeds, it’s brilliant. If it doesn’t, it puts you in more trouble than you started with,” commented Clark, adding that Ukrainian forces will undoubtedly withdraw from Russian territory at some point, though they will likely need to fight for some time yet.