Kursk region incursion may force Russia to redeploy troops

Janek Kesselmann, Deputy Commander of the Estonian Military Intelligence Center, suggested on August 9 that Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s Kursk region could force Moscow to redeploy troops from other areas. Kesselmann's comments were reported by ERR.

Earlier on August 9, the Russian Defense Ministry reported clashes between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops on the western outskirts of Sudzha, marking the fourth day of Kyiv’s incursion.

Kesselmann noted that the Russian Armed Forces likely were not prepared for this Ukrainian offensive, which appears to have taken them by surprise. Unofficial reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 15 kilometers (9 miles) into the Kursk region. Kesselmann also suggested that Ukraine might have partially breached the region’s second defensive line.

The incursion is expected to prompt a redeployment of Russian units from other areas to bolster defense and conduct counterattacks, Kesselmann added.

On August 9, Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry declared a "federal emergency" in the Kursk region. The town of Kurchatov, located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast and home to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant, is reportedly experiencing ongoing battles, according to Mayor Igor Korpunkov.

The Kyiv Independent has not independently verified these claims.

Kursk Oblast borders Sumy Oblast, which has faced daily attacks since Russian forces were pushed back across the border in April 2022. Kyiv has not commented directly on the Kursk incursion, but President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on August 8, "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done," without specifically mentioning the situation in Kursk.

Russian attacked a supermarket in Donetsk Oblast's Kostiantynivka, there were victims

On August 9, Russia targeted a supermarket in the town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast, resulting in at least 14 deaths and 43 injuries, according to Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office.

Initially, Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that the town was hit by artillery fire, but later clarified that the attack involved a Russian Kh-38 missile.

Local outlet Novosti Donbassa released footage showing the burning "Ekomarket" building and its devastated surroundings. The attack also damaged a Nova Poshta freight department located within the shopping center. One employee suffered a concussion and is receiving medical attention. Nova Poshta has promised compensation for damaged packages, noting that not all parcels were destroyed. Filashkin reported that the missile strike also affected four houses, nine shops, a car wash, and 12 vehicles.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak condemned the attack as "another case of Russian terror," emphasizing that such actions against civilians are the extent of Russia’s warfare capabilities. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with some individuals still trapped under the rubble, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Later on August 9, Russia launched another attack on Kostiantynivka using Smerch multiple launch rocket systems, injuring two people and damaging six houses and a gas pipeline. The town, like many in Donetsk Oblast, frequently experiences strikes by Russian forces.

In September 2023, another Russian attack on a market in Kostiantynivka resulted in 17 deaths and over 30 injuries.

Pokrovsk is now 16 km from the front line

According to a U.K. Defense Ministry intelligence update on August 9, recent Russian advances have brought the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast within approximately 16 kilometers of the current front line.

The ministry reported that "Russian Ground Forces have continued conducting offensive operations across multiple areas of the front line, achieving further tactical advances."

Following the failure of Russia's offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, Moscow has shifted its focus to the east, concentrating its efforts on the Pokrovsk area. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted in a July 30 interview with French media that Russia has been "throwing everything they have" into the offensive in this direction.

Pokrovsk serves as a critical logistical hub for Ukrainian forces, supporting their operations in Donetsk Oblast. As Russian forces intensify their offensive in this region, Kyiv has acknowledged that the situation in the Pokrovsk area remains "extremely challenging."

Russian troops have been making gradual but steady gains in Donetsk Oblast, with Pokrovsk and Toretsk facing the brunt of recent attacks.

Russia claims Ukraine's forces reach outskirts of Sudzha in Kursk region

On August 9, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian forces are attacking Ukrainian soldiers on the western outskirts of Sudzha, marking the fourth day of Kyiv's incursion into the area. Sudzha is located less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Ukrainian border, with Kursk city situated 85 kilometers (53 miles) to the northeast. This is the first indication from Moscow that Ukrainian forces have reached Sudzha, amid multiple reports about their presence.

The ministry also stated that Russian forces are targeting Ukrainian manpower and equipment near the settlements of Daryino, Gogolevka, Melovoy, and Nikolskyi.

According to Kurchatov's mayor, Igor Korpunkov, battles are occurring "a few dozen kilometers" from Kurchatov in the Kursk region, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Ukraine's Sumy Oblast. Kurchatov hosts the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

Pro-war Russian Telegram channels claim Ukrainian forces are positioned about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the town of Lgov, near a crucial highway. These claims have not been independently verified by The Kyiv Independent.

Earlier on August 9, Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry declared a "federal emergency" in the Kursk region. Additionally, Moscow Railway announced on August 8 that railway stations in Sudzha, Korenevo, and Psel are "temporarily closed to passengers."

While Kyiv has not commented directly on the situation in Kursk, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on August 8 that "Russia brought war to our land, and it should feel what it has done," without specifically mentioning the incursion into Kursk.