Exclusive: On the ground in Russian territory held by Ukrainian forces

FRANCE 24

25 September 2024 at 8:09 am·1-min read

Ukraine is still holding swathes of territory in the Kursk region of Russia, seven weeks after a lightning offensive designed to draw Russian troops away from eastern Ukraine and gain leverage in potential peace negotiations with Moscow. FRANCE 24’s Catherine Norris Trent was given access to Ukrainian-held areas of Kursk region, embedded with the Ukrainian army and a small number of journalists.

Ukraine has been controlling parts of Russia’s Kursk region since the beginning of August, when its forces mounted a lightning offensive and breached Moscow’s defences in a move that surprised many of Kyiv’s own allies.

Ukrainian officers say some 2,000 Russian civilians remain in the areas they control, while many more have fled. Some locals come to collect food parcels but are largely suspicious or hostile towards the Ukrainian troops.

“Putin is Putin, he’s a great guy,” one resident told FRANCE 24. Another fought back tears as she addressed Ukrainian troops, saying: “Why don’t you just take us all out and shoot us? You think everything is our fault!”

Click on the player above to watch FRANCE 24’s exclusive report.

Australian Associated Press
Aussies in pursuit in crowded Champions leaderboard
It's a crowded leaderboard at the PGA Champions Tour event in Jacksonville where several Australians are in the mix.
Australian Associated Press
Edwards is marathon man in dynasty, Yeo the warrior
Dylan Edwards has run the most metres during Penrith's dynasty, while Isaah Yeo is their warrior in the middle by totalling more than 4000 tackles in the run.
Australian Associated Press
Supermodel Naomi Campbell admits failures at charity
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has denied engaging in any financial misconduct at a fashion relief charity she founded.
Australian Associated Press
Late Meslier error hands Sunderland draw against Leeds
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was "heartbroken" after 'keeper Illan Meslier's last-gasp howler handed Sunderland a 2-2 draw in their Championship clash.
Australian Associated Press
Thousands still without power after Hurricane Helene
Nearly 700,000 homes and businesses in the US southeast are still without power more than a week after Hurricane Helene blew through the region.
Australian Associated Press
Heartbreak for Matt Dufty as Hull KR reach grand final
Hull KR are through to the Super League grand final after a tense 10-8 win over Warrington, who were denied a late try when Australian Matt Dufty crossed over.
Australian Associated Press
Leganes, Valencia play to goalless draw in La Liga
Leganes and Valencia have played to an insipid goalless draw in La Liga.
Australian Associated Press
JackJumpers and Wildcats out to rebound in Hobart clash
The JackJumpers and Wildcats are licking their wounds after heavy defeats as they prepare to rebound in their NBL clash in Hobart.
Australian Associated Press
Bottom-club Angers surprise Marseille in French league
Marseille have missed a chance to join Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain at the top of the French league with a draw against lowly Angers.
Australian Associated Press
Tough choices for Aussies in Women's World T20 defence
Competition for places remains red-hot in the Australian camp as the world champions prepare to launch their Women's T20 World Cup defence.
Australian Associated Press
Napoli extend Serie A lead with win over plucky Como
Napoli have gone four points clear at the top of Serie A after beating Como 3-1 following a 25-second goal from Scottish star Scott McTominay.
Australian Associated Press
Augsburg beat Gladbach 2-1 for second win of season
Mid-table Augsburg have been left celebrating their second victory of the Bundesliga season, beating Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1.
Australian Associated Press
Harris, Trump appeal to unions as port strike suspended
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are trying to get the upper hand with working-class voters in the closing weeks of the US presidential campaign.
Australian Associated Press
Pogba declares 'nightmare is over' after doping ban cut
French World Cup winner Paul Pogba is celebrating after a reduction of his four-year doping ban to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Australian Associated Press
Pakistan police clash with supporters of ex-PM Khan
Pakistani authorities have deployed the army in the capital for two weeks as protesters who support jailed former prime minister Imran Khan clashed with police.
Australian Associated Press
Haiti gang kills at least 70 as thousands flee: UN
The United Nations has accused the Gran Grif gang of killing at least 70 people after sweeping through the Haitian town of Pont-Sonde shooting at residents.
Australian Associated Press
Devine inspires NZ women to rout India in T20 World Cup
Sophie Devine has inspired her New Zealand side to a shock win in the Women's T20 World Cup, bowling out India for 102 to triumph by 58 runs in Dubai.
Australian Associated Press
A new Aussie Cameron is shining at the home of golf
Little-known Australian golfer Cameron John continues to make a name for himself as he leads the star-studded Links Championship in Scotland at halfway.
Australian Associated Press
Business cannot 'sit on hands' as Gaza aid needs remain
One of Australia's most prominent business leaders has urged the philanthropy and private sector to do more as conflict in the Middle East intensifies.
Australian Associated Press
Premier doesn't 'need anyone to hold his hand' on trail
The Queensland premier says he will welcome the prime minister's arrival but won't need anyone to hold his hand during the state election campaign.

Latest stories