The Russian army has struck Ukrainian invading forces in Kursk Region, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has said. It has released video of the attack.
In a statement on Friday, the ministry said that aerial reconnaissance of the Russian group of forces ‘North’, covering the border, had detected a Ukrainian unit, and that the “spotted targets have been eliminated.”
“The artillerymen did not leave the adversary any chances,” the ministry added.
At the same time, officials provided no details about where exactly the strike took place or what casualties Kiev suffered.
A brief black-and-white clip shared by the ministry, apparently filmed by a drone, shows what appears to be a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier parked in a field near a rural road, surrounded by several infantrymen. The group takes a direct hit from an artillery shell, sending a plume of fire and smoke into the air.
Ukraine launched its largest-to-date incursion into Kursk Region in early August and initially made some progress, with the attack reportedly being supported by some of the best Kiev’s units. The Russian Defense Ministry, however, has said that the advance has been halted, and that Moscow’s forces have pushed back their opponents in some areas in recent days.
Ukrainian officials have said the purpose of the attack was to gain a better position for possible peace talks with Russia and to instill fear in the country’s population. Moscow has ruled out any negotiations as long as Ukrainian troops are on Russian soil, while accusing Kiev of indiscriminate attacks on civilians.
The Russian Defense Ministry has estimated Ukrainian losses at more than 12,000 service members and hundreds of armored vehicles since the start of the Kursk operation.