Residents of an apartment building in Russia’s Kursk region that was damaged by shelling.Credit…Associated Press
Putin blamed the West for Ukraine’s incursion
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, lashed out at the West yesterday over Ukraine’s weeklong incursion into the Kursk region of Russia. His comments are a sign that the cross-border assault has unsettled the Kremlin. Even as Moscow scrambled to respond, its forces kept up their attacks in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv military officials said.
“The West is fighting us with the hands of the Ukrainians,” Putin said in a televised meeting with top officials, adding, “The enemy will certainly get the response he deserves, and all our goals, without doubt, will be accomplished.”
Kursk’s acting governor told Putin that 28 towns and villages were under Ukraine’s control. He said its troops had pushed nearly 12 kilometers into Russian territory. However, the head of Ukraine’s armed forces claimed control of more than twice as much territory, “about 1,000 square kilometers.”
Background: Analysts said Ukraine’s move had two main goals: to draw Russian forces from the front lines in eastern Ukraine and to seize territory that could serve as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations. Putin insisted that the attack would not soften his negotiating position.
On the ground: The Times visited one of the spots where Ukrainian forces stormed into Russia and surprised the defenders. Reporters found scenes of ruin.
The New York Times
