Kremlin Accuses West of Orchestrating Ukraine’s Kursk Attack, U.S. Denies Involvement

 

The Kremlin has leveled serious accusations against Western nations and the U.S.-led NATO alliance, alleging their involvement in planning Ukraine’s recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. This attack, described as the most significant foreign assault on Russian soil since World War II, began on August 6, catching Russian forces off guard.

Ukraine has defended the operation, stating that it was a necessary step to compel Russia to engage in "fair" peace negotiations. The U.S. has firmly denied any role in planning or executing the attack, asserting that Ukraine did not provide advance notice. However, it has been reported that weaponry supplied by Britain and the U.S. was used during the incursion.

Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia’s Security Council and a prominent figure known for his hardline stance, has rejected the Western denial. In a recent interview with Izvestia newspaper, Patrushev claimed, “The operation in the Kursk region was also planned with the participation of NATO and Western special services. Without their participation and direct support, Kyiv would not have ventured into Russian territory.”

These statements suggest that the Kremlin views Ukraine's incursion as a significant risk that could escalate further tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a Security Council meeting, including Patrushev, to discuss "new technical solutions" for what Russia refers to as its special military operation.

Patrushev further criticized Western actions, alleging that they have jeopardized Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, Ukraine announced it had appointed a military commandant to oversee the area under its control, despite ongoing Russian offensives in the east of Ukraine.

Russia's defense ministry reported that its forces had successfully repelled multiple Ukrainian attacks along the Kursk frontline. As of now, Ukraine is said to control approximately 450 square kilometers (175 square miles) of Russian territory, a small fraction of Russia's overall landmass.