Ukraine Prepares for Russian Refugees Amid Fighting

Ukrainian officials, including President Zelensky's aide Mykhailo Podolyak, have stated that Ukraine's recent military incursions into Russia's Kursk region aim to compel Russia to engage in fair negotiations by delivering significant tactical defeats. The conflict has resulted in about 200,000 people fleeing from Russian border areas, prompting Ukraine to prepare for an influx of refugees by establishing facilities and a hotline for humanitarian assistance. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized Ukraine's compliance with international humanitarian law and the establishment of humanitarian corridors for safe transit. Ukrainian forces are also attempting to create a 'security zone' in the Kursk region to protect their border communities from ongoing shelling. Meanwhile, Russia has begun mandatory evacuations in affected districts as tensions escalate. The situation remains fluid, with both sides navigating complex humanitarian and military challenges.