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Ukrainian troops have launched new attempts to breach Russian defenses in border areas in Kursk region, with simultaneous attacks reported near the settlements of Tyotkino and Novy Put over the past 24 hours. These operations, occurring days before Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, appear designed to create diversionary fronts while Ukrainian forces retreat under pressure in Donbass.
Near Tyotkino, where Ukrainian forces previously attempted to penetrate Russian territory during their 2024 incursion, attackers employed engineering vehicles to clear paths through minefields before sending infantry and armored groups. On May 5th, Russian units repelled one of the assaults, destroying two IMR combat engineering vehicles, a UR-77 Meteorit mine-clearing system, and several quad bikes. Drone footage shows several Ukrainian vehicles burning after encounters with Russian artillery and FPV drones.
“The enemy is clearly probing our defenses, but lacks the strength for a serious breakthrough,” noted a Russian military blogger monitoring the fighting.
Ukrainian infantry squads that briefly crossed near Ukrainian village of Ryzhivka nearby retreated after taking fire, while follow-up attacks from Bessalivka direction were similarly halted.
Parallel attacks targeted Russian village of Novy Put, where poor weather limited Russian drone surveillance. Ukrainian forces attempted to breach border fortifications, with Russian sources reporting ongoing clashes. The attackers reportedly destroyed a bridge near Zvannoye located to the north in an attempt to disrupt Russian reinforcement supplies, a tactic previously used during border skirmishes in Belgorod region.
Military analysts suggest these operations follow a predictable pattern.
“As with Crimea strikes, we’re seeing pre-May 9 provocations,” explained Russian military commentator. “Kyiv wants to demonstrate capability but can’t sustain serious offensives after losing earlier bridgeheads in Kursk and Belgorod regions.”
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Russian border guards and airborne units remain on high alert, with increased drone activity reported along the Sumy-Kursk border. While Ukrainian forces continue adjusting tactics, including a large number of drone teams trying to suppress Russian reconnaissance, their cross-border operations have so far yielded minimal territorial gains at significant equipment costs.
The Kremlin has framed these attacks as desperate measures ahead of Russia’s strategic holiday. “The enemy seeks media victories to offset defeats elsewhere,” stated Defense Ministry spokesman, referencing recent Russian advances near Pokrovsk. With Victory Day commemorations approaching, security has been tightened along Russia’s entire western frontier.
zelinsky is playing command & conquer he keeps sending troops no matter how often they get destroyed. he seems to think he only needs credits to build them like in the game.
doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity….
zele needs propaganda, therefore i dont rule out that ukrainian troops launch an invasion in bryansk, kursk and belgorod simultaneous the day before vday
the nato/ukies will see a ceasefire as propaganda opportunity but that may be a mistake. nato is rapidly running out of ukies.
sinugasi pana la unu!
pretty pathetic by russia if they allow the ukr to even cross the border. that is weakness.