Around 20,000 Russian civilians are still in the border areas of the southwestern Kursk region following clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces that led to the evacuation of over 133,000 people. The Acting Governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, provided the latest numbers during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin and other government officials. According to Smirnov, a total of 133,190 people have been evacuated, leaving 19,376 people still remaining. Eight districts in the Kursk region, with a combined population of over 150,000, are currently under evacuation orders.
Despite state media reports citing anonymous sources that the number of people killed during the fighting in the Kursk region has more than doubled from the official figure of 12, Smirnov did not provide an updated civilian death toll. The last time he mentioned the civilian death toll was during a meeting with Putin on August 12, where the Russian president interrupted him when he reported on Ukrainian military advances in the region. Putin stated on Thursday that he planned to hold a separate call with Smirnov later in the day to get more information on the situation.
The ongoing clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces have forced a significant number of people in the Kursk region to evacuate, with many still remaining in the border areas. The fact that the death toll may be higher than what has been officially reported is a cause for concern as the conflict continues. Putin’s decision to hold a separate call with Smirnov suggests that there may be further discussions on how to handle the situation and ensure the safety of the remaining civilians.
The situation in the Kursk region is still volatile, with eight districts under evacuation orders and a significant number of people having already been evacuated. The clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces have resulted in casualties, with reports indicating that the actual death toll may be higher than what has been officially reported. The evacuation efforts are ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of those who remain in the affected areas.
The fact that there are still thousands of civilians in the border areas of the Kursk region highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for continued support and assistance. Smirnov’s update on the number of people who have been evacuated and those who remain provides a snapshot of the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The conflict between Ukrainian and Russian forces shows no signs of abating, and the impact on civilians continues to be significant as the violence persists.
As the situation in the Kursk region remains fluid, with ongoing clashes and evacuation efforts, the focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of the remaining civilians. The discrepancy in the reported civilian death toll underscores the challenges of obtaining accurate information in conflict zones and the importance of transparency and accountability. The planned call between Putin and Smirnov indicates a desire for more information and coordination as efforts continue to address the crisis in the region and support those affected by the conflict.
