Russia Reports 288 Civilian Deaths in Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive

On Wednesday, Russia stated that 288 civilians lost their lives during Ukraine's extended offensive into the Kursk region, which Russian authorities claim has been completely rid of Ukrainian troops since the previous weekend.

Kiev dispatched its forces over the boundary in August 2024 as a countermove to Russia's comprehensive assault on Ukraine.

In recent days, the Kremlin claimed that they had expelled Ukrainian forces from the western border area with assistance from North Korean troops. However, Kyiv stated that combat operations continue in that region.

"The Health Ministry reported that from August onwards, the well-being of 791 individuals has been adversely affected, with 288 fatalities," stated Alexander Khinstein, the governor of the Kursk region, via social media.

He mentioned that the officials had not yet retrieved all the bodies of the slain civilians from the border regions.

Khintstein provided no information about how the civilians perished.

President Vladimir Putin has pledged to mete out punishment to any Ukrainian soldiers captured in the Kursk area and considers them terrorists.

In February 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive assault on Ukraine, resulting in numerous casualties since then.