Official statements from Ukrainian and Russian governments and verified news reports

Zelensky's Bold Kursk Incursion Challenges Putin, Halts Peace Talks

Aug 19, 2024, 05:50 AM

Ukraine's recent incursion into Russia's Kursk region, led by President Zelensky, has left the Russian government reeling, challenging President Vladimir Putin's narrative and testing his social contract with the Russian people. The offensive is seen as a significant embarrassment for Russia, marking the first invasion by enemy forces since the Second World War. The move has reportedly halted secret peace talks and left Putin fuming, as he faces one of the most serious challenges since February 2022. Analysts are questioning how Putin will respond to this crisis, which has the potential to impact his reputation significantly.