Russia Accuses NATO of Planning Attack in Kursk

Russia's defense ministry reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted a strike on the Crimean bridge, thwarting an attack involving 12 U.S.-made missiles. This incident occurred amidst escalating hostilities in the region, particularly as Russian forces advance towards Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine. The ministry also announced the capture of Serhiivka, a village in the Donetsk region, further asserting control over more than 80 settlements in the area. In a significant development, Ukrainian troops launched a surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region, marking the largest foreign military incursion into Russian territory since World War II. This operation has raised critical questions for the White House, especially as military analysts suggest that Kyiv's actions may have been encouraged by Moscow's military response. The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed to have conducted successful strikes against Ukrainian forces in the border area. As the situation intensifies, military authorities in Pokrovsk have urged civilians to evacuate quickly due to the rapid advance of Russian troops. Reports indicate that Russian forces are closing in on the town, prompting concerns for the safety of its residents. Meanwhile, Kremlin aide Nikolai Patrushev has suggested that NATO and Western powers were involved in planning Ukraine's incursion, a claim that the White House has denied, stating that Ukraine did not inform the U.S. of its operations in advance. The ongoing conflict continues to draw international attention, with implications for potential negotiations and the broader geopolitical landscape.