Synopsis
Moscow's Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu declared that Russian forces will soon fully reclaim the Kursk Region from Ukrainian troops, citing ongoing military operations and significant advancements in various territories.Key Takeaways
- Sergei Shoigu confirms impending liberation of Kursk Region.
- Russian forces have made significant territorial gains.
- Intense battles are ongoing in the Gornal area.
- Over 190 civilian casualties reported since August 2024.
- Justice will be pursued against militants in the region.
Moscow, April 24 (NationPress) The head of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, announced on Thursday that Russian forces are set to fully liberate the entire Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces.
"The Kursk Region will soon be cleared of militants as part of our counterterrorist efforts. The effective use of a segment of the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod strategic gas pipeline has become a notable event in military history. The army command confirms that the complete Kursk Region will soon be secured," Shoigu stated in an interview with the state-operated news agency Tass.
According to Shoigu, the dynamics within the special military operation area significantly affect both global relations and internal circumstances in Russia.
"Currently, our armed forces have successfully liberated over 99 percent of the Luhansk People's Republic and nearly two-thirds of the Kherson Region, Donetsk People's Republic, and Zaporozhye Region. Russian troops are making progress along the entire frontline, securing new territories. The situation is increasingly favorable for us every day," he stressed.
"In light of the crimes committed by militants in the Kursk Region, justice will be served. Those responsible will face serious charges as terrorists, and all will be held accountable," he added.
Russian forces are currently engaged in fierce combat near Gornal in the Kursk Region, driving Ukrainian troops out of the area, according to a report from Tass quoting a defense source.
"Fierce fighting persists in the vicinity of Gornal, and we are effectively pushing the enemy back," the report indicated.
In addition, Russia's Investigative Committee reported on Wednesday that over 190 civilians have lost their lives in the Kursk Region since the onset of the Ukrainian invasion in August 2024.
"Since the unlawful incursion by Ukrainian militants into Russian territory in August 2024, 191 civilians have died in the Kursk Region, and 372 individuals have been injured, including 17 minors. Civilian infrastructure, such as homes, schools, kindergartens, and vehicles, has been either destroyed or severely damaged," the statement detailed.
Moreover, the agency noted that investigations are ongoing to quantify the destruction inflicted by Ukraine on civilian infrastructure and the property of local residents.
