Image Credits-POLITICO.eu
Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov has informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of a significant Ukrainian ground descent that has led to the loss of 28 settlements within the Kursk region. In a detailed report, Governor Smirnov described the extent of the incursion, which penetrated 12 kilometers deep and spanned 40 kilometers wide, marking one of the most substantial territorial earnings by Ukrainian forces in recent weeks.
The briefing, held amidst growing concerns over the security of Russia’s western regions, underslined the intensity of the ongoing conflict and its escalating impact on border areas. Smirnov emphasized the swift and aggressive nature of the Ukrainian advance, which has foisted considerable damage on local infrastructure and displaced thousands of residers.
“The Ukrainian ground attacks have led to the loss of 28 settlements in the Kursk region,” Smirnov reported, noting that the situation remains fluid as Russian forces work to repel the offensive. He also highlighted the challenges faced by local authorities in managing the humanitarian crisis triggered by the incursion, with many residents forced to flee their homes under the threat of continued hostilities.
In response, President Putin reiterated his commitment to reinforcing the defense of Russia’s border regions, instructing military and security forces to take all necessary measures to regain control of the lost territories. “The protection of our citizens and the integrity of our borders is our utmost priority,” Putin stated, assuring the governor of the federal government’s full support in addressing the situation.
The Ukrainian offensive in Kursk marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with the region now facing the dual pressures of military operations and a growing humanitarian emergency. As the situation develops, both Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to vie for control, further intensifying the volatile security landscape along the border.
This rearmost development comes amid broader enterprises over the conflict’s spillover effects, as cross-border engagements increasingly threaten the stability of regions adjacent to the main theaters of war.