Russia Reports 56 Civilians Killed in Ukraine’s 7-Week Incursion in Kursk Region, According to Reuters

At least 56 civilians have reportedly been killed and 266 injured during Ukraine’s incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday.

The cross-border operation began on August 6, more than two years after Moscow deployed tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine. Ukrainian forces are still present in the Kursk area. Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry had reported a death toll of 31 up to September 5, while the latest figures encompass incidents through September 20.

According to the ministry, approximately 131,000 civilians have evacuated the most affected areas, but they accused Ukrainian forces of holding some civilians against their will, claiming that 70-120 individuals are being held in the town of Sudzha.

In response to media inquiries regarding these allegations, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine adheres to international humanitarian law and does not target civilians. He noted that it is difficult to verify Russia’s claims, citing the country’s history of misinformation.

He stated, “Given Russia’s long history of false numbers and propaganda, there is simply no way of verifying their claims. If Russia wants to present the true situation on the ground, it should allow access to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.”

Verification of battlefield reports from both sides remains challenging. Both Ukraine and Russia have denied targeting civilians and making unfounded claims throughout the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over 31 months.

The Kremlin has previously labeled Ukraine’s invitation for international organizations to the Kursk region as “provocative” and has indicated that it does not expect these organizations to accept such an invitation.

Kyiv has stated that its incursion, the most significant foreign assault on Russia since World War II, aims partly to deter Russian forces in the area from launching their own incursions into Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy mentioned earlier this month that Ukrainian forces control 100 settlements in the Kursk region, covering more than 1,300 square kilometers (about 500 square miles). This claim has been contested by Russian sources, which assert that Russia has regained control of some villages following a counter-offensive.