Putin on Ukraine border

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned a recent Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region as a 'large-scale provocation,' accusing Kiev of indiscriminately shelling civilian areas and attempting to breach Russian defenses. Reports indicate that approximately 1,000 Ukrainian troops crossed the border, leading to intense fighting, civilian evacuations, and casualties, including at least three deaths and over 20 injuries among civilians. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have repelled the Ukrainian offensive, asserting significant losses for Ukraine, including 260 soldiers and numerous military vehicles. Open-source monitors have questioned the veracity of some Russian claims regarding the nature of the reported damage, suggesting it may stem from routine Ukrainian shelling rather than a large-scale ground operation. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military responses from Russia and evacuations of civilians from affected areas. Ukrainian officials have not officially commented on the incursion, leaving the extent of the operation unclear.