Photo courtesy of Yonhap News
Russia has initiated a counter-terrorism operation along its southwestern border with Ukraine, where clashes have persisted for five consecutive days.
According to the Interfax news agency, the Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) announced on the 10th local time that it had implemented a counter-terrorism operational system in border areas such as the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions the day prior.
The committee stated that the decision was made by its chairman and head of the Federal Security Service, Aleksandr Bortnikov, to prevent terrorist activities by the Ukrainian military, referencing “unprecedented efforts by the Ukrainian regime to destabilize the situation in several regions of Russia.”
Consequently, measures including checks, restrictions on the movement and communication of individuals and vehicles in the region are currently being implemented in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk.
Checkpoints will be established throughout, security at key facilities will be heightened, and vehicles may be confiscated.
The Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee also reported that a terrorist attack by the Ukrainian military in Kursk resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings and infrastructure.
Acting Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov announced via Telegram that “due to the heightened risk of sabotage and terrorism from Ukraine, an anti-terrorist operation has been launched in Kursk.”
The previous day, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations declared a federal state of emergency in Kursk.
Since the 6th, Russia has been conducting operations to repel Ukrainian troops who have crossed the border and infiltrated the Kursk region.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that it is “continuing to repel attempts by the Ukrainian military to invade the territory of the Russian Federation,” claiming that Ukrainian forces had lost 175 soldiers the previous day alone, raising total losses to 1,120.
The city of Sudzha in Kursk, where fighting is ongoing, houses a pipeline that supplies Russian natural gas to Europe via Ukraine, while Kurchatov is home to a significant nuclear power plant.
There are also reports suggesting that some Ukrainian troops are securing the gas facility in Sudzha and advancing toward the Kursk nuclear power plant, although this has not been officially confirmed by Russia.
The TASS news agency reported that Russia informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after fragments and debris believed to belong to an intercepted missile were discovered at the Kursk nuclear power plant on the 8th.
However, it was added that there were no direct shellings on Kurchatov or the nuclear power plant facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged both Ukraine and Russia to “exercise restraint in the Battle of Kursk,” according to Reuters.
Alexei Likhachev, head of Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation Rosatom, informed Grossi in a telephone call that the Ukrainian attack “poses a direct threat not only to the Kursk plant but also to the entire international nuclear industry.”
“The attacks and provocations by the Ukrainian military represent a real threat,” Rosatom stated, while emphasizing that the nuclear power plant is currently operating normally.
As the risk of a nuclear incident grows, the Russian Ministry of Health’s Biomedical Research Agency reported that it has conducted over 60 gamma-ray measurements in Kursk, according to RIA Novosti.
The Biomedical Sciences Agency noted that it has intensified monitoring efforts to oversee radioactive, chemical, and biological hazards, mentioning that not only gamma-ray tests but also about 100 air surveys and 30 water quality tests have all returned normal values.
The Russian Defense Ministry indicated that Mi-28NM attack helicopters and Su-34 fighter-bombers targeted Ukrainian troops and weaponry in Kursk, while air defense systems intercepted a total of 32 Ukrainian drones over Kursk and Yaroslavl.
Given that the Ukrainian military reportedly utilized American-made Stryker armored vehicles and German-made Marder combat vehicles during the assault, Deputy Chairman of the Russian National Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned on social media platform X that Russia would take every measure to deliver Russian tanks to Berlin, Germany.
The clashes are regarded as the largest Ukrainian military offensive on Russian territory since Russia initiated its “special military operation” in Ukraine in February 2022, and Belarus, Russia’s “ally,” has also intensified its border security.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Hrenin stated that President Alexander Lukashenko had ordered an increase in military forces in the border regions, as reported by Belarus’ Belta news agency.
Russia Launches Counter-Terrorism Operation at Ukraine Border
Photo courtesy of Yonhap News
Background of the Operation
On August 10, 2024, Russia announced the initiation of a significant counter-terrorism operation along its southwestern border with Ukraine, particularly affecting the regions of Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk. This announcement was made by the Russian Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) in response to ongoing military engagements with Ukrainian forces that have escalated over the past five days. According to the NAC, the government has decided to ramp up security measures as part of an ongoing effort to thwart what they describe as terrorist activities and destabilization attempts by the Ukrainian military.
Key Measures Implemented
The counter-terrorism operation introduced stringent security measures that include:
- Increased Checkpoints: Establishment of checkpoints throughout the affected regions.
- Restrictions on Movement: Limitations on the movement of individuals and vehicles.
- Heightened Security: Enhanced security at critical infrastructure, including transportation hubs and public facilities.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Use of advanced monitoring techniques to scrutinize the activities of civilians in the area.
Military Engagements and Casualties
Since the escalation of hostilities on August 6, Russian forces have been actively repelling incursions by Ukrainian troops who have crossed into the Kursk region. The Russian Defense Ministry reported heavy casualties, stating that approximately 1,120 Ukrainian soldiers have been reported lost to date with significant numbers from recent confrontations. On the other hand, acting Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov confirmed the defense measures in response to increased risks of sabotage and terrorism stemming from Ukraine.
Civilian Impact and Safety Measures
The ongoing operations have raised concerns regarding civilian safety, particularly in areas surrounding the Kursk nuclear power plant and the vital pipeline supplying Russian natural gas to Europe. Reports indicate that as a result of military actions, civilian casualties have been recorded, prompting the Russian Ministry of Health to undertake comprehensive monitoring of radioactive, chemical, and biological hazards in the vicinity of Kursk.
Notably, over 60 gamma-ray measurements were conducted, with findings indicating normal levels of radiation thus far. However, the situation remains tense, leading to fears of potential nuclear accidents should the conflict escalate further.
International Avoidance and Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been alerted about the threats posed by ongoing military activities near the Kursk nuclear site. Director General Rafael Grossi has called for restraint from both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the critical need to avoid further escalation. In light of reported missile fragments found near the plant, the situation is under close watch to prevent any adverse consequences to the nuclear facility.
Formation of Military Alliances
The current situation has also seen Ukrainian forces purportedly utilizing advanced weaponry, including American-made Stryker armored vehicles and German-made Marder combat vehicles. In retaliation, Deputy Chairman of the Russian National Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has issued warnings regarding potential escalatory measures, hinting at the possibility of delivering Russian military hardware to Berlin in response to perceived provocations.
Response from Neighboring Nations
Amidst the escalating conflict, Belarus has also increased its military presence along its borders, under the directive of President Alexander Lukashenko. This move is perceived as a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding national security in light of the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of the counter-terrorism operation and military engagements between Russia and Ukraine will resonate not only in the immediate region but also globally, influencing geopolitical dynamics and security policies across the world.
