Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to "deal with" Ukrainian soldiers involved in the ongoing offensive in the border region of Kursk, a campaign that began in early August.
Acknowledged Hardships
Speaking on Monday, Putin acknowledged the severe hardships faced by Russian civilians in the area. This is reflecting a shift in tone from previous attempts by Russian officials to downplay the Ukrainian offensive.
During a meeting with students, Putin condemned the Ukrainian forces as "bandits" who have entered Russian territory with the intent to destabilize border regions, according to Digi24.
His remarks starkly contrast with earlier statements from Russian authorities, who have minimized the impact of the Ukrainian advance.
Troops Gaining Ground more Rapidly
Despite acknowledging the challenges in Kursk, Putin emphasized that Ukraine has failed in its primary objective: halting the Russian offensive in the Donbas region.
The Ukrainian military had initially made significant gains in Kursk, capturing hundreds of square kilometers and numerous villages before being halted.
Ukrainian authorities claimed that their operation aimed to force Russia to redeploy troops from the eastern front, but this strategy appears to have faltered as Russian forces continue to advance in Donbas.
According to Putin, Russian troops are now gaining ground more rapidly than before, advancing several kilometers with each attack.
The intensified Russian offensive has led to significant civilian casualties, with at least 31 dead and over 140 injured in Kursk. More than 130,000 people have fled the region to escape the fighting.
