Russian authorities have introduced a so-called “counter-terrorism operation” in bordering Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts in response to Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, Russian state-media outlet RIA Novosti reported on Aug. 10. Following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces across the border days earlier, fighting has continued in the oblast, with Ukraine reportedly making gains deeper into Russian territory. Russia’s Defense Ministry acknowledged on Aug. 9 that its forces were fighting the Ukrainian army on the outskirts of the town of Sudzhain Kursk Oblast. Russia’s Nat…