Ukraine Attempts New Offensive in Kursk Region Ahead of Russian Victory Day

Ukrainian forces launched a new ground offensive into Russia’s Kursk region on Monday, in what appears to be a calculated move to disrupt upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. The attack targeted the Russian border town of Tetkino, located approximately 40 miles from the town of Sudzha—scene of a major Ukrainian assault in 2024.

According to pro-Russian Telegram channels monitoring the conflict, Ukrainian troops began shelling and striking bridges over the Seym River early Monday morning in an effort to isolate Tetkino. The extent of Ukrainian progress remains unclear, though social media footage circulating late in the day appeared to show multiple halted or repelled attacks.

Russian authorities have not released official casualty figures or confirmed the extent of territorial engagement, but Ukrainian evacuations of the border towns of Belopolye and Vorozhba were reported, suggesting broader military preparations may be underway.

This marks the third major Ukrainian attempt to seize Tetkino in just over a year. In March 2024, Ukrainian forces reportedly landed helicopters outside the town before being driven back. A second attempt came in August 2024 during Ukraine’s initially successful offensive on Sudzha. While recent Ukrainian cross-border operations have increased, most notably into Belgorod and other parts of Kursk, Monday’s assault appears to have been a more substantial attempt aimed at securing territory rather than carrying out limited raids.

The offensive comes as foreign dignitaries and heads of state begin arriving in Russia ahead of the May 9th Victory Day parades commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine recently warned that Kiev "cannot be held responsible for what happens on the territory of the Russian Federation," and previously suggested that those attending the events in Moscow should be concerned for their safety.

Analysts suggest the attack may be a symbolic effort to undermine the optics of Russian military control and unity during one of the most important holidays in Russia.