What we know about Ukraine's surprise push into Russian territory

Kyiv, Ukraine:For more than a week, Ukrainian troops have pushed into into the Kursk region of Russia, just north of their border, in the most extensi...

Kyiv, Ukraine: For more than a week, Ukrainian troops have pushed into into the Kursk region of Russia, just north of their border, in the most extensive incursion by Kyiv’s forces in the 2½-year-old war. The advance has showed significant weaknesses in Russia’s border defense and embarrassed the Kremlin.

When and where did the attack begin?

The surprise attack by Ukrainian troops in tanks and other armored vehicles began Aug. 6 and came from several directions into Russia’s Kursk region.

Although Russia has seen previous incursions of its territory in the war, the Kursk raid is notable for its size, speed, the reported involvement of battle-hardened Ukrainian brigades, and the length of time they have stayed inside Russia. As many as 10,000 Ukrainian troops are involved, according to Western military analysts. It's the first time foreign troops have invaded and held the territory since Nazi Germany did it in World War II against the Soviet Union.

This month's stunning attack met little resistance at the Russian border. Although the Kursk region has been subject to Ukrainian drone attacks, the border was relatively lightly guarded, mostly by poorly trained conscripts and national guard units. More than 120,000 residents have been evacuated, according to Russian officials.