Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian troops are now actively fighting inside Russian territory, specifically in the Kursk region.

Axar.az reports that this marks a major shift in the conflict, catching both Russia and Ukraine's allies by surprise. Zelensky praised the Ukrainian armed forces for taking the fight to Russian soil, emphasizing the need to apply pressure on the aggressor.

The operation in Kursk is significant as it represents the first time regular Ukrainian and special operations units have entered Russian territory. Russian authorities have struggled to respond, evacuating tens of thousands of people and imposing a counter-terrorism operation in the region. Meanwhile, Zelensky accused Russia of using the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to blackmail Ukraine and the world after reports of a fire at the plant.

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian forces have made significant advances, reportedly penetrating up to 30 kilometers into Russian territory. Videos have surfaced showing Ukrainian soldiers raising their flags in the Kursk region, further embarrassing the Kremlin. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has avoided declaring a state of war or general mobilization, Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, leading to ongoing civilian casualties and intensifying the conflict.