In a bold move to bolster defenses in Kursk, the Wagner Group has been deployed to counter Ukrainian forces at the Russian border.
Response to Intense Push
The private military company, notorious for its combat operations in various conflict zones, has been mobilized to support Russian troops amid escalating clashes with Ukrainian forces, according to Lenta.
Russian military correspondent Yegor Guzhenko announced the deployment through a video post on social media, stating, "I said there would be good news? Well, here it is. The Wagner fighters are returning to Russia. Good luck to the men. (…) I’ll soon reveal more surprises."
The footage shows Wagner fighters confirming their mission to Kursk, where they aim to fortify Russian positions and repel Ukrainian advances.
The Wagner Group’s arrival comes in response to an intense push by Ukrainian forces, which began on August 6. The Ukrainian assault, involving approximately 1,000 troops, sought to penetrate Russian territory, specifically targeting the Sudzhansky district.
State of Emergency
According to the Russian General Staff, Wagner’s intervention, alongside regular military units, has successfully thwarted this attempt, forcing the Ukrainian troops to retreat.
The clash has resulted in significant casualties, with 34 individuals reported injured, including children, and one prominent Russian military correspondent, Evgeny Poddubny, who was severely injured by a Ukrainian drone but has since stabilized.
The situation in Kursk is described as "calm, without panic," although the area remains under periodic rocket attack alerts. Shops and cafes continue to operate normally, and daily life proceeds with minimal disruption.
The Russian military has reported that Ukraine has sustained considerable losses, including 315 personnel, with 54 pieces of Ukrainian equipment, including seven tanks, destroyed.
In response to the ongoing conflict, a state of emergency has been declared in the region, underscoring the severity of the situation and the strategic importance of Kursk in the current conflict.
