**Escalation in Kursk: Ukraine Conducts Strikes Amid New Border Incursion Reports**

*Ukrainian forces are reportedly maintaining a military presence in the Kursk region as tensions escalate with Russia.*

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a strike on a drone command unit located near the Russian village of Tyotkino in the Kursk region, amidst allegations of new border incursions. This situation unfolds as Russian officials confirm damage to an electrical substation in Rylsk, which they attribute to Ukrainian attacks. Despite Moscow's previous assertions of regaining control over Kursk, Ukraine maintains that its forces continue to operate across the border. Reports from the acting governor of Kursk, Alexander Khinshtein, detail injuries to local teenagers from the blast and damage sustained by two transformers at the substation.

Unverified accounts from Russian military bloggers depict an escalation with Ukrainian forces purportedly attempting to breach the border in the Tyotkino area, including imagery of vehicles overcoming tank defenses. On the following day, missile strikes and operations involving mine clearance vehicles were reportedly observed, leading to intense clashes. Ukraine's Defence Forces issued a statement highlighting their ongoing military activity in the Kursk region, despite the absence of a formal Russian response.

In the Sumy region, situated just south of the border incursion, local authorities have advised residents to evacuate certain settlements due to heightened military activity. The initial surprise incursion in August 2024 was aimed at establishing a protective buffer zone for areas like Sumy and negotiating leverage with Russia in the future. Reports emphasize increased hostilities as both sides prepare for what appears to be an ongoing conflict in the area.