Written By Lisa Murimi
Russia’s Defence Ministry announced that its forces have recaptured 10 settlements in the Kursk border region, which had been seized by Ukrainian forces during a surprise incursion in August.Â
The settlements were reclaimed by “Units of the North” over two days in the area around Snagost, marking the start of Russia’s counteroffensive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the Russian counteroffensive, stating that it was proceeding as anticipated within Ukraine’s broader strategy.
However, a Ukrainian officer fighting in the region told the BBC that the situation was challenging, and Ukraine’s forces were facing tough resistance.
The initial signs of Russia’s pushback came from Chechen special forces commander Maj Gen Apti Alaudinov, who reported that Ukrainian brigades had suffered heavy casualties.
Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, launched on August 6, was seen as an attempt to distract Russia from its operations in eastern Ukraine.
Despite Ukraine’s capture of up to 1,300 sq km of Russian territory, Russian forces are continuing their offensive in eastern Ukraine, closing in on the strategic town of Pokrovsk.
Analysts remain cautious about the scope and potential impact of Russia’s counterattacks, while fighting intensifies in the region. Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike in northern Ukraine’s Konotop left 14 people wounded.
