A surprise counter attack from Russia’s military against Ukrainian forces has prompted the Kremlin to declare a “federal-level” emergency in the Kursk Region.

Over the span of four days Ukraine soldiers crossed the border as far as 35 kilometers into Russian territory, into areas where Russia’s energy resources are located.

Moscow was reported by Ukraine sources to have responded to their advance with a Russian missile that struck a shopping mall killing at least 14 people and wounding 40.

The White House says they weren’t given prior warning to the operation and speculates that Ukraine’s could be aiming to draw Russia away from Eastern Ukraine to potentially improve Kyiv’s hand in the possibility that negotiations open up with Moscow.