WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The war in Ukraine is entering a new stage, as Ukrainian forces take over the Kursk region inside Russia.
Ukraine says it’s now captured nearly 400 square miles of the area and more than 100 Russian soldiers.
The Pentagon says the U.S. was not aware of the operation ahead of time.
“We’re still working to get more from the Ukrainians on their objective,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.
In response, some Russian troops are moving from Ukraine to the Kursk region. It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implores allies to provide long range missiles, calling them “essential” to winning the war.
He wrote on X: “This must be done. The bolder our partners’ decisions, the less Putin can do.”
The U.S. says it’s not changing its policy against using U.S. weapons for long range attacks inside Russia. That’s because Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh says under existing policy, Ukraine has been successful in pushing back.
“That doesn’t necessarily happen by doing long-range, deep strikes within Russia. Of course we’re worried about escalation,” Singh said.
The State Department says though policy hasn’t changed, the U.S. is still committed to helping Ukraine defeat Russia.
“What we’re focused on is making sure that our Ukrainian partners have what they need to defend themselves from Russian aggression,” State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
Meanwhile Russia’s defense minister has ordered the establishment of “coordination committees” made up of military authorities, meant to protect its border territories.
