Russian forces repel Ukrainian attacks on settlements in Kursk Region, causing heavy casualties for the Armed Forces of Kiev, according to an update by the Defense Ministry on Friday. The North group of Russian units, with support from aviation and artillery, successfully repelled enemy assault groups near the settlements of Borki and Malaya Loknya, as well as thwarting attacks in the directions of Komarovka, Korenevo, Martynovka and Russkaya Konopelka.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces lost up to 70 servicemen during these operations, as well as two combat armoured vehicles and one car. Meanwhile, reconnaissance and search units continue to identify and destroy sabotage groups hiding in thick forests, attempting to penetrate deeper into Russian territory. One such group was reportedly neutralized near the settlement of Kamyshevka.
The Russian military continues to pressure enemy forces using airstrikes and artillery, targeting several Ukrainian brigades across the region. Over the past 24 hours, Kiev has lost an estimated 400 servicemen, 17 armoured vehicles, including one tank, two armoured personnel carriers, 14 armoured combat vehicles, two pieces of artillery, and MLRS launcher, two mortars, and ten vehicles.
Since the beginning of this month, with some of Kiev’s best-equipped and most experienced fighters involved in the cross-border assault, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost an estimated 5,137 soldiers, 69 tanks, 27 infantry fighting vehicles, 55 APCs, 350 armoured combat vehicles, 34 artillery units, five anti-aircraft missile systems, and 11 MLRS launchers, including three US-made HIMARS, among other pieces of heavy equipment.
Kiev officials claim the purpose of this bold incursion was to seize Russian territory in Kursk Region, alleviating pressure on its forces elsewhere on the front line, and strengthening Ukraine’s position during future peace talks with Moscow. Previously, the Kremlin had offered Kiev a ceasefire in exchange for renouncing its NATO membership bid and withdrawing from Russian territories; however, this offer was taken off the table following Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Region and its “indiscriminate” targeting of Russian civilians.