Russia has implemented a “counter-terrorism operation” regime in three districts in an attempt to thwart a surprise cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces.
The authorities in the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions on the Ukrainian border can now restrict people’s and vehicles’ movements and utilize phone tapping, among other measures.
This comes as Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region enters its fifth day. Kyiv has not publicly acknowledged the incursion.
According to reports, Ukrainian troops are battling more than 10 kilometers inside Russia, marking the most significant progress since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The National Counter-Terrorism Committee announced enhanced security measures for Russia’s three border areas on Friday.
The authorities now have powers to enter private homes, restrict the movement of traffic and pedestrians, order the temporary relocation of people, and monitor information sent electronically.
The latest measures come as Moscow is struggling to contain the Ukrainian offensive.
Russia said that up to 1,000 Ukrainian troops, supported by tanks and armoured vehicles, entered the Kursk region on Tuesday morning.
The Ukrainians have since reportedly seized a number of villages and are also threatening the regional town of Sudzha.
