Russia has initiated a counteroffensive in the Kursk region to reclaim territories lost to Ukrainian forces, with claims of retaking two villages, Uspenovka and Borki, amidst ongoing battles since Ukraine's significant incursion in early August. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine maintains control over approximately 100 villages in the area, while the U.S. estimates that Russia would need around 50,000 troops to effectively push Ukrainian forces back. Despite the reported Russian advances, experts highlight that the situation remains fluid and that many Russian troops lack combat experience. Russia's recent troop expansion includes an additional 180,000 servicemen, following a decree by President Putin. As tensions rise, evacuations are ordered in border settlements, and discussions around Ukraine's potential use of long-range missiles continue among NATO members, with some skepticism about their effectiveness. Ukraine has formally requested UN and ICRC verification of the situation in its controlled territories, signaling ongoing humanitarian concerns.