Ukrainian forces advance into Russia, igniting panic in Kursk

Ukraine has entered Russia and is taking over more towns. The Kursk region is particularly vulnerable. According to political analyst Sergei Markov, Kyiv's decision may be a bargaining chip in peace negotiations. According to a "The Washington Post" interlocutor, the speed at which Ukrainians manage to occupy more territories will be crucial.

Ukrainian soldiers have bravely entered Russia, taking some towns in the Kursk region while also attacking the Belgorod and Lipetsk regions. Pro-Kremlin political analyst Sergei Markov told "The Washington Post" that recovering the Kursk region, where Ukraine has reportedly occupied an area of about 100 square miles, may take up to a year.

The analyst compares the entry of Ukrainian troops deep into Russia to the Wagner group's march on Moscow. He notes that Kyiv's authorities' decision poses a significant challenge for Vladimir Putin. In an interview with an American outlet, a former advisor to Putin stated that Ukraine may have surprised the Russian defense forces, unaware of the threat. Russian commanders reportedly knew about the possible assault but did not inform Putin himself.

It was likely that the Ukrainian government plans to use the seized territory as a bargaining chip in future talks and that it was now a race against time for Russian troops to counterattack before the Ukrainian brigades dig in, the analyst told "The Washington Post."

According to the analyst, the Ukrainian government may intend to use the occupied territory as a bargaining chip in future talks with the Kremlin. "The advantage belongs to the defenders," he emphasized. The Ukrainians' plan may be to occupy as much territory as possible. While Russia gathers its reserves, they will build fortifications," he concluded.

It is worth noting that there is great panic, especially in the Kursk region, following the Ukrainian incursion. Russian media reports that people from this area are leaving the country en masse and heading towards Georgia. A state of emergency has been declared in the Kursk region. People accused the military of not helping, but Putin assured everyone would receive about 10,000 rubles (about $120). Temporary shelters have also been prepared in safe cities.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians publish more photos after entering towns in the Kursk region. Online, there have also appeared photos of destroyed armored vehicles that were heading to assist and aimed to eliminate the enemy.