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Russia launches ‘counterterror operation’ to stop Ukrainian troops after Kursk incursion
- The start of the operation in three border regions comes after Ukraine launched a shock attack in Russia’s western Kursk region
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Moscow on Saturday launched a “counterterror operation” in three border regions adjoining Ukraine to halt Kyiv’s biggest cross-border offensive in the two-and-a-half year conflict.
Ukrainian units stormed across the border into Russia’s western Kursk region on Tuesday morning in a shock attack and have advanced several kilometres, according to independent analysts.
Russia has deployed additional troops and equipment, including tanks, rocket launchers and aviation units to stop the advancing troops.
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Russia’s national anti-terrorism committee said late Friday it was starting “counterterror operations in the Belgorod, Bryansk and Kursk regions … in order to ensure the safety of citizens and suppress the threat of terrorist acts being carried out by the enemy’s sabotage groups.”
Under Russian law, security forces and the military are given sweeping emergency powers during “counterterror” operations.
Movement is restricted, vehicles can be seized, phone calls can be monitored, areas are declared no-go zones, checkpoints introduced, and security is strengthened at key infrastructure sites.
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