Fact Check: Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024, marking the first large-scale invasion of Russian territory by foreign forces since World War II.

Fact Check: Ukraine's Cross-Border Incursion into Kursk Oblast

What We Know

In August 2024, the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched a significant military operation into Russia's Kursk Oblast, marking the first large-scale invasion of Russian territory by foreign forces since World War II. This incursion involved clashes with the Russian Armed Forces and border guards, leading to a state of emergency being declared in the region (Kursk offensive (2024–2025)). Reports indicate that within the first week, Ukraine claimed to have captured approximately 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory, while Russian authorities acknowledged the loss of 28 settlements (Reuters).

The operation was characterized by its strategic objectives, which included inflicting damage on Russian military capabilities, capturing enemy troops, and disrupting supply lines (Kursk offensive (2024–2025)). This cross-border action was unprecedented in scale and was primarily executed by regular Ukrainian forces, distinguishing it from earlier smaller incursions that involved pro-Ukrainian militias (Kursk offensive (2024–2025)).

Analysis

The claim that Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024 is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times describes the operation as the first significant foreign incursion into Russia since World War II, emphasizing the scale and implications of the military action. Additionally, the Washington Post reported on the Russian government's characterization of the incursion as a "provocation," further indicating the seriousness of the situation from the Russian perspective.

The sources used in this analysis are reliable and well-regarded in the field of journalism. The Institute for the Study of War and other defense analysts have provided assessments of the operation's impact, noting that it surprised both Russian forces and Ukraine's allies. The mixed evaluations of the incursion's success—ranging from strategic failure to significant military achievement—highlight the complexity of the situation and the differing interpretations of military outcomes (Kursk offensive (2024–2025)).

While some analysts have criticized the operation for stretching Ukrainian forces and potentially weakening their position in eastern Ukraine, the overall consensus is that the incursion represents a significant escalation in the conflict (Kursk offensive (2024–2025), New York Times).

Conclusion

The claim that Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024 is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that this operation was a significant military action, marking the first large-scale invasion of Russian territory by foreign forces since World War II. The implications of this incursion are profound, affecting both military strategy and geopolitical dynamics in the region.

Sources

1. Kursk offensive (2024–2025)
2. Ukraine touts huge gains in Kursk region as it takes war ...
3. Ukraine's Incursion Into Russia: What to Know
4. Putin calls cross-border attack in Kursk region a 'provocation'
5. Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
6. Ukraine Strikes ‘Like a Bolt From the Blue’ in New Kursk Offensive ...
7. Ukraine's Kursk Incursion: Six Month Assessment