Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry declared a federal-level emergency in the Kursk region on Friday as clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces continued for a fourth day.
The conflict began with a surprise Ukrainian incursion earlier in the week and has become one of the most intense confrontations on Russian soil since the war started.
According to the Moscow Times, the emergency declaration is used to signal a disaster of considerable scale, involving situations with more than 500 casualties or damages exceeding 1.2 billion rubles ($13.6 million).
Reports indicated six deaths in the Kursk region, with Russia’s Health Ministry confirming 66 injuries, including nine children.
Despite Russian claims of repelling the attack, Ukrainian forces have advanced deeper into Russian territory, particularly in the Sudzhansky district.
Military Confrontation Escalates
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported ongoing efforts to push back the Ukrainian troops.
They claimed to have killed 280 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed 27 armored vehicles in the past 24 hours.
Since the incursion began, Russia asserts nearly 1,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed and more than 100 armored vehicles destroyed.
However, they have not disclosed any information regarding Russian casualties or equipment losses.
Pro-war military bloggers shared a video showing a destroyed Russian military convoy in the Rylsky district, suggesting that Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant damage.
The area around the town of Sudzha has seen the heaviest fighting, with ongoing skirmishes and artillery exchanges.
Acting Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov acknowledged that “the situation remains difficult.”
In response, authorities have made mobile internet service free for residents in the affected areas to help maintain communication. Meanwhile, many people have been evacuated from the border regions to escape the violence.
