New York: Russia has pledged a robust and forceful retaliation in response to the recent Ukrainian military incursion into the Kursk region. Officials have issued stark warnings of severe consequences for Ukraine, emphasizing that the Russian government will take decisive action to address the breach and hold those responsible accountable. This escalation marks a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict, with Russia signaling its readiness to impose stringent measures in retaliation for the intrusion.
“Severe Punishment Awaiting”
Anatoli Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, made it clear that President Vladimir Putin will respond decisively. “I can assure you that President Putin has made a decision. I am firmly convinced that everyone will be severely punished for what has happened in the Kursk region,” Antonov stated.
The conflict escalated on August 6 when Ukrainian forces launched a substantial attack in Kursk, prompting Russia to declare a federal state of emergency. The region has faced multiple rocket threats, intensifying the situation.
In response, over 115,000 residents have been evacuated from dangerous border areas, according to Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. Meanwhile, interim governor Alexei Smirnov reported that more than 133,000 people have fled the Kursk border zone as the situation remains volatile.
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Ukraine Controls Over 1,000 Square Kilometers
Temporary housing centers have been established in 29 regions to shelter those displaced by the fighting. The Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Ukraine has suffered heavy losses since the start of its military operations in Kursk, with over 4,700 soldiers and 68 tanks reportedly destroyed.
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Russian military operations continue to target Ukrainian military formations, aiming to reclaim lost territory. Although Ukraine has not provided official figures for its losses during this offensive, reports suggest that Ukrainian forces have penetrated more than 30 kilometers into Russian territory. Ukrainian troops are reported to control over 1,000 square kilometers of land and nearly 100 localities in the area.
