The Russian government has initiated a federal-level emergency response in the Kursk region due to clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces for a fourth day following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian troops earlier in the week. The classification of a federal emergency in Russia involves a disaster resulting in significant casualties or damages exceeding a certain threshold. Reports indicate that there have been six deaths and 66 injuries, including nine children, in the Kursk region. Despite claims from Russian authorities that they were successfully repelling the Ukrainian attack, Ukrainian troops have continued to advance deeper into Russian territory.
The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have killed 280 Ukrainian troops and destroyed 27 armored vehicles in the past 24 hours as they fend off the Ukrainian incursion. Overall, they state that they have killed 925 Ukrainian troops and destroyed more than 100 armored vehicles since the incursion began on Tuesday. However, there is no information provided about Russian casualties or equipment losses. Military bloggers have shared unverified videos of destroyed Russian military convoys, highlighting the intensity of the fighting in the region. The situation in the Kursk region remains difficult as clashes continue to impact the area.
Acting Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov has acknowledged the challenging situation in the region, as scores of people have evacuated areas near the border in recent days. Authorities have announced that mobile internet service will be made free for residents in the areas affected by the clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The town of Sudzha has been heavily impacted by the fighting, with reports of significant destruction and casualties. The continued violence has raised concerns among the local population, who question why their state allowed the situation to escalate to this extent.
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