Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have reached a new boiling point following Ukraine’s recent incursion into the Kursk region. Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov has declared that President Vladimir Putin has formulated a response to the Ukrainian military’s actions, warning that those responsible will face severe consequences.
Antonov’s statements came after a high-level meeting chaired by Putin on Thursday. The meeting, attended by top officials and governors of border regions, took place over two weeks after Ukraine launched its largest incursion into Russian territory since World War II. However, Antonov refrained from disclosing specifics of Putin’s planned response.
“I tell you sincerely that the president has made a decision,” Antonov was quoted by the TASS state news agency. “I am firmly convinced that everyone will be severely punished for what has happened in Kursk region.”
Adding to the escalating situation, Antonov, serving as the Russian Ambassador since 2017, issued a warning in comments published by the RIA state news agency. He claimed that the US will eventually lift all restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine. Antonov characterized Washington’s recent statements regarding Kyiv’s limitations on using US weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory as “goading.”
“They are, essentially, laying ground (for a decision) to simply remove all the existing restrictions at a certain point, without much thought,” he asserted.
The US has provided Ukraine with over $55 billion worth of military aid since 2022, but has implemented limitations on the use of these weapons to Ukrainian soil and defensive cross-border operations.
Despite the tense situation, US officials announced on Thursday a new military aid package for Ukraine, worth approximately $125 million. This package includes air defense missiles, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelins, and a range of other anti-armor missiles, counter-drone and counter-electronic warfare systems, equipment, 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, vehicles, and other essential equipment.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit to the border area where his forces launched their surprise offensive into Russia. Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces have taken control of another Russian village and captured additional prisoners of war. During his visit to the northern Sumy region, Zelenskyy announced that the new POWs from the Kursk region would be utilized to build an “exchange fund” for swapping with captured Ukrainians.
International attention is focused on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyiv, where he is scheduled to meet with President Zelenskyy on Friday. Modi, known for maintaining cordial ties and economic relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, could potentially play a crucial role in mediating a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The incursion into Russia poses a significant risk, highlighting Russian vulnerabilities and further straining Ukrainian forces already engaged in fighting along a frontline stretching for hundreds of kilometers. The situation remains volatile, and the international community is closely watching how events unfold.
