Ukraine Launches Surprise Kursk Incursion into Russia

Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border offensive into Russia's Kursk Oblast — the first time foreign forces had occupied Russian territory since WWII. Ukrainian troops captured Sudzha, a major gas transit hub, and over 1,300 km² at peak. Ukraine hoped to force Russia to redeploy forces from Ukraine's east. Russia eventually reinforced with North Korean troops, and Ukraine's positions were progressively pushed back.