Russia evacuates tens of thousands in Kursk region amid Ukraine offensive

Russia said it evacuated more than 76,000 people from its western Kursk border region on Saturday, according to the state-run TASS news agency, as Ukraine pressed on with its biggest attack on Russian soil since the war began almost two and a half years ago. In response to the incursion, Russia launched a military operation and sent additional troops, equipment and aviation units to try to stop Ukrainian troops from advancing.

Struggling to contain a major Ukrainian incursion, Russia on Saturday said it had evacuated tens of thousands of people from its border region and launched a "counter-terror operation".

At the same time, Moscow warned that the fighting in Russia's western Kursk region was endangering a nuclear power plant.

Ukrainian units stormed across the border on Tuesday morning in what so far has been the largest and most successful such offensive by Kyiv in the two-and-a-half-year conflict.

Read moreIncursion into Russia’s Kursk region: A risky gamble for Ukraine?

Its troops have advanced several kilometres forcing Russia's army to rush in reserves and extra equipment – though neither side has given precise details on the forces committed.


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

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