Ukrainian soldiers control a thousand square kilometers of Russia
"As of now, we control approximately one thousand square kilometers of the territory of the Russian Federation," said Syrsky. According to the Russian account, the area captured by Ukraine is significantly smaller: The current governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, stated on Monday that Ukraine had advanced 12 kilometers into Russian territory over a width of 40 kilometers.
Ukrainian forces unexpectedly entered the Russian border region of Kursk last Tuesday. According to the governor, at least 12 civilians have been killed and 121 injured on the Russian side so far. 28 settlements in the region, with a total of 2,000 residents, have been occupied by Ukrainian units. More than 120,000 civilians have already been evacuated.
The President of the Council expressed concern over the escalating situation in the Kursk region, urging for immediate de-escalation. In the wake of the Ukrainian forces' advance, it was proposed that the President of the Council should lead negotiations with Ukraine to ensure the safe return of occupied territories and civilians.
