Russia has accused Ukrainian troops of crossing the border into its Kursk region, potentially marking the first such incursion from Ukraine and increasing pressure on Moscow in an area largely unaffected by the two-year war.

Russian authorities, including the Ministry of Defense, Investigative Committee, and Ombudsman for Children, reported a “massive attack” on Tuesday, alleging that Ukrainian forces attempted to breach Russian defenses near the Kursk region’s border with Ukraine’s Sumy region.

President Vladimir Putin described the alleged incursion as a “large-scale provocation,” accusing Kyiv of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets.

Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the claims, which CNN cannot independently verify.

The extent of the attack, including any potential control of settlements or strategic targets by Ukrainian troops, remains unclear, CNN has reported.

Russian sources mentioned that the attack involved land and air forces near the town of Sudzha.

The Russian Ministry of Health reported that 31 people, including six children, were injured due to Ukrainian shelling in the region.

Written by B.C. Begley