Authorities in southwestern Russia’s Kursk region on Monday ordered the mandatory evacuation of two more districts along the border with Ukraine, as Kyiv’s forces remain in control of a large swath of Russian territory despite Moscow’s counteroffensive efforts.
“The regional crisis center has decided to mandate the evacuation of towns in the Rylsky and Khomutovsky districts, located within a 15-kilometer [9-mile] zone near the Ukrainian border,” Kursk region Governor Alexei Smirnov said.
Those districts encompass dozens of villages and towns with a combined population of less than 40,000 people.
According to Radio Svoboda, the Russian-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the town of Rylsk, with 15,000 residents, is not currently subject to the evacuation orders.
The decision to evacuate residents appears to have been influenced by ongoing clashes in the Rylsky district, as reported by the VChK-OGPU Telegram channel, which claims to offer government insider information.
Smirnov previously informed President Vladimir Putin that eight districts in the Kursk region, with a total population of 152,000, were under evacuation orders since Ukraine launched its surprise incursion on Aug. 6.
Kyiv has claimed to have advanced several kilometers into Russian territory, capturing scores of towns and villages, including the border town of Sudzha.
Meanwhile, Moscow asserts that its forces have reclaimed at least a dozen villages in the Kursk region during its recent counteroffensive.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.
×
Remind me next month
Thank you! Your reminder is set.
