Former governor of Russia’s Kursk region, Roman Starovoit, has admitted that Russian soldiers deployed to defend the area from Ukrainian forces have looted abandoned homes.
Evidence of Looting
Starovoit, now Russia's Minister of Transport, made the rare acknowledgment during a meeting with residents of Glushkovo, a district bordering Ukraine.
“There is evidence of looting by both civilians who stayed behind and soldiers,” Starovoit said, according to a Telegram post shared by a local news channel, according to Digi24.
The admission was met with applause from attendees, reflecting growing frustration among locals who have long complained about break-ins and theft.
The Kursk region has been a flashpoint since August 6, when Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russian territory.
The operation aimed to strengthen Ukraine’s position for future negotiations and to force Russia to redeploy troops from the Donetsk front.
Fighting continues in the region, where Ukraine reportedly holds dozens of settlements, including the regional center of Sudzha.
Not the Right Thing to Do
Ukrainian soldiers have documented instances of looting by both local residents and Russian troops, sharing videos on social media.
One video reportedly shows two women using carts to transport stolen goods from neighboring homes.
A patrolling Ukrainian soldier intervenes, reprimanding them: “You’ve been stealing, ladies! It’s not right to do this to your neighbors.”
Russian state media, however, has accused Ukrainian forces of committing similar acts in captured villages, despite evidence contradicting these claims.
For instance, Glushkovo, cited by Russian reports, has never been under Ukrainian control, according to independent sources.
Chechen commander Apti Alaudinov, leading forces in Kursk, recently stated that Russian soldiers have committed 187 crimes in the region, including murder and rape.
These claims were attributed to reports from local law enforcement but lacked detailed timelines.
