The Kursk region and surrounding areas along the Russian-Ukrainian border have remained on high alert for the third day following an invasion by Ukrainian forces, who, according to sources, have penetrated up to 10 kilometers into Russian territory.

There has been no official statement from Kyiv about this operation, but Moscow, through the Ministry of Defense, reported that its forces, in collaboration with the FSB, continue to “destroy Ukrainian forces” in towns in the Kursk region that are close to the Ukrainian border, preventing them from advancing further. At the same time, Moscow stated that it is conducting air strikes in Sumy, Ukraine, where it seems the Ukrainian troops that entered Russia are based.

In the same report, it was mentioned that since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk, the Ukrainians have lost 660 soldiers and 82 armored vehicles.

Meanwhile, air raid sirens are sounding at regular intervals in areas of Kursk, which is located about 500 km southwest of Moscow. Rail traffic is facing difficulties, with some stations suspending their operations. The acting deputy governor of the region, Andrei Belostotsky, noted that residents who wished to leave the border areas have already been evacuated. “We have evacuated as many citizens as possible who wanted to leave. We have a hotline, and at night we use armored vehicles for evacuations,” Belostotsky said, while the Moldovan authorities have requested their citizens to leave the area as soon as possible.

Russian authorities have reported civilian casualties, including at least two dead and 24 injured (among them a journalist).

Additionally, videos circulating on social media show Russian soldiers surrendering to Ukrainians, with reports of a Russian helicopter being shot down and tanks destroyed by Ukrainian drones and rockets.

Ukraine has a legitimate right to self-defense, says the European Commission regarding the invasion of Kursk

The European Commission stated on Thursday that Ukraine has the right to defend itself by attacking targets in Russia following the invasion of the border region of Kursk.

“We believe that Ukraine is conducting a legitimate defensive war against an illegal attack,” said Peter Stano, a spokesperson for the Commission, to journalists.

“And within the context of this legitimate right of defense, Ukraine has the right to strike the enemy wherever it deems necessary: on its territory, but also the enemy’s territory,” he added.