Putin Addresses Crisis as Ukrainian Forces Push into Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with senior officials to address the situation in Russian regions bordering Ukraine following a surprise incursion by Ukrainian troops into the Kursk region. The incursion, marked as the largest foreign military advance into Russia since World War Two, has led to fierce fighting and significant regional disruption.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with senior officials on Thursday to address the escalating situation in Russian regions near the Ukrainian border after Ukrainian troops launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region on August 6.

This incursion, described as the largest foreign military advance into Russia since World War Two, saw thousands of Ukrainian troops penetrating Russia's western border, catching Moscow off guard. Intense combat has since ensued, with Russian forces striving to reclaim and secure the territory occupied by Ukrainian soldiers.

"I have gathered you to discuss the current developments in Russia's border regions," Putin stated at the meeting's outset. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov noted that assessments of damage to agriculture and industry in the affected areas are underway. Acting Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov reported that over 133,000 people had either left or been evacuated from the region. Putin also queried Smirnov about the cooperation with law enforcement and military agencies, which Smirnov confirmed was effective. Additionally, Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz informed Putin that border forces successfully thwarted an attempted incursion by a Ukrainian sabotage team.

(With inputs from agencies.)