Ukrainian forces have launched a significant incursion into Russia's Kursk Region, capturing dozens of settlements and seizing a substantial slice of territory, which has prompted Moscow to evacuate nearly 200,000 people and redeploy troops from southern Ukraine. Despite initial Ukrainian advances, Russian forces have responded with missile, drone, and airstrikes, claiming to have halted Ukraine's progression. Western allies of Ukraine, particularly the US and EU, have supported the operation, describing it as consistent with defense policies, while Russia criticized the lack of condemnation from the UN Security Council. The incursion is seen as a strategic move by Ukraine to put pressure on Russia and improve its negotiating position. However, NATO officials remain skeptical about Ukraine's ability to hold the captured territory in the long term.