Russia’s Kursk region has come under intense bombardment as Ukraine launched a new offensive in the area, leaving residents shaken and authorities on high alert. The latest attacks, which began early Sunday morning, have resulted in explosions and missile warnings being sounded across the city, with local officials describing the situation as “calmer” than previous months.
Oleg Pogozhikh, a photographer and social activist, reported hearing loud explosions and feeling shaken multiple times while working at his studio. Despite this, he expressed confidence in the Russian army’s ability to defend itself against Ukrainian attacks. The scale of Ukraine’s latest assault is believed to be “small” by experts, with analysts suggesting that it may be a distraction or test for future major strikes.
The Kursk region has been a key battleground since August last year, when Ukraine launched an incursion into the area and captured several settlements. Russia has since retaken much of the territory seized, but the latest attacks have caused renewed anxiety among residents.
According to local officials, Sunday’s incursion consisted of Ukrainian forces advancing from occupied territory towards the villages of Berdin and Bolshoye Soldatskoye on the way to Kursk city. The Russian military has since claimed that it repelled the assault with heavy aerial and artillery fire.
The situation in Kursk is closely tied to Ukraine’s broader strategy, which includes using territorial gains as leverage for future ceasefire talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had hinted earlier this year that holding territory in Kursk could be a key factor in future negotiations.
As the conflict continues to intensify, residents of the Kursk region are bracing themselves for further disruptions and potential attacks.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/6/russians-in-kursk-region-shaken-as-ukraine-launches-new-offensive