Putin Scrambles as Ukrainian Forces Near Russian Nuclear Plant

Breaking news 

Ukrainian Forces Advance Toward Russian Nuclear Plant in Kursk Region In a significant escalation of the conflict, Ukrainian forces have launched a major offensive into Russia's Kursk region, advancing toward a nuclear power plant near the border, the Washington Post reports. The mayor of Kurchatov, Igor Korpunkov, confirmed on Telegram that Ukrainian troops are "several dozen kilometers" from the plant, with fighting intensifying in the area. As civilians evacuate Kursk amid fears of further incursions, Russian military commanders are rushing reinforcements to the region. The offensive, which began on Monday, has seen Ukrainian forces capture over 20 villages and parts of the city of Sudja, according to the Washington Post. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is closely monitoring the situation, stating there is currently no reason for concern regarding nuclear safety, but emphasizing that nuclear plants should never be targets of armed conflict. The Institute for the Study of War reported on Thursday that Ukrainian forces have penetrated up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) into Russian territory. In response, Russian authorities declared a federal emergency in Kursk on Friday night. Reports from the Guardian indicate that Ukrainian forces have also knocked out a Russian reinforcement convoy on the E38 highway. Unconfirmed reports from the Ukrainian outlet OBOZ.UA suggest that a Ukrainian drone strike on the substation of the plant caused a power outage in Kurchatov. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh stated that Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weaponry in the offensive is within U.S. policy. Meanwhile, Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov was notably absent from an emergency session of the Russian Security Council convened by President Vladimir Putin on Friday, as reported by Newsweek.

Follow by 

Bdnews today360