Kursk Under Russian Attack: Regional Governor Reports Shelling of Residential Areas

Russia Intensifies Offensive in Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have escalated their offensive in eastern Ukraine, targeting the city of Kursk with artillery shelling and missile attacks. The regional governor, Roman Starovoit, reported that the strikes hit residential areas, causing widespread damage and casualties. Starovoit condemned the attacks as "barbaric" and called for immediate international intervention to stop the violence.

The news comes amid growing concerns over Russia's intentions in the region. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine, which are now under the control of Russian-backed separatist forces.

The annexation and ongoing Russian offensive have been strongly condemned by the international community. Western leaders have accused Russia of violating international law and undermining the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Russian Forces Advance in Donbas

In addition to the shelling of Kursk, Russian forces have also made significant advances in the Donbas region, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk territories annexed by Russia. Heavy fighting has been reported in the city of Bakhmut, which has been a major target of Russian forces for weeks.

The Russian offensive in the Donbas is part of a broader effort to control the eastern regions of Ukraine and establish a land bridge between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Timeline

* 2014: Russia annexes Crimea from Ukraine. * 2014-present: Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine clash with Ukrainian government forces. * 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. * 2022: Russia declares the annexation of four Ukrainian territories, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. * 2022: Russian forces escalate offensive in eastern Ukraine, shelling Kursk and advancing in the Donbas region.

International Response to the Crisis

* The United States and its allies have condemned the annexation and ongoing offensive, imposing sanctions on Russia. * The United Nations Security Council has held emergency meetings to discuss the crisis. * The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The situation in Ukraine remains fluid and volatile. The Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine is escalating, with serious consequences for the civilian population. The international community continues to condemn Russia's actions and call for an end to the violence.