Russian military issues update on border fighting

Ukraine has lost around 260 troops and 50 pieces of heavy weaponry over the past 24 hours following its failed attempt to breach Russia’s Kursk Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has reported.

The Ukrainian operation was launched early on Tuesday and has resulted in civilian casualties in the border areas of the Russian region, particularly in the town of Sudzha, according to the regional government.

The military update said Kiev’s troops had been unsuccessful in their attempts to advance into Russian territory, with the fighting taking place on the Ukrainian side of the border.

The Ukrainian force was met with airstrikes, as well as rocket and artillery fire, and Russian maneuvers, the statement said. Ukrainian reserves were hit near ten Ukrainian settlements in Sumi Region, the report added.

The ministry listed the types of weapons that were destroyed in the hostilities, including seven tanks, eight armored personnel carriers, multiple infantry fighting vehicles, including two Western-donated Stryker IFVs, as well as two Buk surface-to-air missile launchers.

Earlier in the day, acting Governor Andrey Smirnov reported that his government had helped around 200 people to evacuate from the territories affected by the hostilities. Several thousand civilians fled on their own and were provided necessary support, he added.

Emergency officials have set up shelters for 2,500 people in response to the security crisis, with more than 300 places already occupied by refugees, Smirnov said. Other Russian regions have also offered to host Kursk residents, if necessary. Meanwhile, health authorities in Moscow have sent a team of doctors to beef up the region’s healthcare system and help local medics to deal with the surge of casualties.