In a significant development, the Russian government reported that 288 civilians have lost their lives during the extensive conflict in the Kursk region, which has recently come under Russian control. This assertion follows claims from Moscow that it has successfully ousted Ukrainian forces from the area, a move it describes as a complete clearance of Kyiv’s military presence over the past weekend.
The conflict escalated in August 2024 when Ukrainian troops crossed into Russian territory in response to Moscow’s ongoing full-scale offensive against Ukraine. The Kremlin has stated that, bolstered by the involvement of North Korean troops, Russian forces managed to regain the western border region. However, Ukrainian officials maintain that clashes are still occurring in Kursk, contradicting the Russian narrative.
Alexander Khinstein, the governor of the Kursk region, disclosed the figures through social media, citing data from Russia’s health ministry. He noted that since the escalation began in August, a total of 791 individuals sustained injuries, among which 288 fatalities were reported. Khinstein mentioned that recovery efforts for the deceased civilians from the bordering areas are still ongoing, though he did not provide specifics regarding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Amid these tensions, President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning regarding Ukrainian troops captured in the Kursk region, labeling them as “terrorists” and vowing severe consequences for them. Since the inception of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in a staggering loss of life on both sides, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in the region.
