Ukraine’s Cross-Border Incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region: A Strategic and Tactical Analysis
Introduction
In a bold escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region on May 5–6, 2025, breaching defenses near the village of Tetkino and advancing into Russian territory. The operation, supported by armored vehicles and drones, marks Kyiv’s most significant military action inside Russia since its August 2024 offensive in Kursk. Concurrently, Ukrainian strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including a power substation in the town of Rylsk, exacerbating regional instability and underscoring the conflict’s expanding geographic scope. This report examines the tactical execution of the incursion, its strategic implications, and the broader context of Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian advances ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s Victory Day celebrations.
