Ukraine Advances into Kursk, Russia Declares Emergency

Ukrainian forces have launched a significant cross-border attack into Russia's Kursk region, advancing up to 10 kilometers (six miles) and seizing key logistical hubs such as Sudzha. This incursion has caught Russian forces unprepared, leading to intense criticism from Russian military analysts and bloggers. President Vladimir Putin has declared a federal-level emergency and convened an emergency Security Council meeting, describing the attack as a 'large-scale provocation.' The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Ukrainian forces have penetrated at least two Russian defensive lines, marking a significant blow to Russia's military strategy and intelligence. Ukrainian officials have remained largely silent on the operation's objectives, while the White House is seeking clarification from Kyiv. The situation remains fluid as Russia sends reinforcements to repel the attack and evacuates thousands of civilians from the affected areas.