As Ukraine's incursion into Russia enters its 12th day, the border regions of Kursk continue to witness destruction and devastation. In the latest, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is once again in the eye of the storm. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zaporizhzhia plant in eye of the storm

Kyiv said it wants to strike Russian airfields and logistics hubs far behind the front line using the long-range missiles. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv points out potential Russian targets

<p>Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the <em>Washington&nbsp;Post, </em>citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has&nbsp;been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart&nbsp; Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated.</p>

<p>But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's&nbsp;Kursk offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-penetrating-2km-deeper-into-russias-kursk-india-issues-advisory-750172"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year.</p>

<p>However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure. Moscow has been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks. However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated. But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time. The Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East". Watch | Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk × Ukraine's Kursk offensive Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year. Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6. Also read | Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year. However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's incursion into Russia enters its twelfth day

Russia-Ukraine war: Impact close to plant's ponds and power lines, says IAEA

U.S. approves another $20 Billion of weapons for Israel as Tel Aviv increases intensity of attacks on Gaza Arson & attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in West Bank condemned as a Pogrom & Women in DR Congo take up arms to defend themselves from the M23 militia Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

Ukraine uses American HIMARS to destroy Russia's Kursk bridge

11 days after beginning an incursion into Russia, Ukraine continues targeting the enemy Supply routes and Logistics. In the latest Ukrainian forces destroyed a strategically important bridge in Russia's Kursk region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine attacks Russia's key supply routes

Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine attacks Russia's key supply routes

Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk

It's been 10 days since Ukrainian forces invaded Russia...Ukraine says it has made constant gains in Russia, now claiming over 1,100 square kilometers --- and seizing about 82 settlements. It has been pulling down Russian flags in the area. Ukraine also claims to have established a military administrative office in Russia’s western Kursk region. We've been expecting a massive Russian response from the first day of this incursion - even before Ukraine acknowledged it. What is Russia waiting for? On this episode of Game plan, Shivan Chanana discusses with Dr. Glenn Diesen, professor of international relations at the University of south-eastern Norway (USN), and editor at the Russia in Global Affairs journal.

Ukraine to set-up military office inside Russia | What’s Russia’s game plan?

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine forces targets key Russian bridge in Kursk

How is Russia tackling the Kursk incursion? It is a high-stakes gamble that Ukraine is making by taking the war into Russia. Molly Gambhir tells you more

Kursk incursion: Russia offers $4,000 to dig trenches in Kursk

Ukraine said Friday its incursion into Russian territory was aimed at forcing Russia to negotiate on "fair" terms, as Moscow's troops announced new gains in eastern Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine links Kursk incursion to ‘fair talks’

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine says Kursk incursion aimed at 'fair' talks with Russia

<p>Amid ongoing offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuation in the eastern city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. As Kyiv forces claim to have occupied around 1,150 sq km of Russian territories, Moscow&nbsp;is pressing ahead with its own offensive and making steady gains in Donetsk. Ukraine’s top military official in Pokrovsk urged people to leave their homes as Russian forces had advanced within 10 km of the city.</p>

<p>“Don’t delay,” the official said on Telegram. “The enemy ruthlessly hits critical infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods.”</p>

<p>Deepstate, a military analysis outlet with links to Ukraine’s defence ministry, reported Wednesday (Aug 14) that Russian forces were forcefully hitting the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Toretsk and occupied parts of Niu York.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims capturing 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk region</strong></p>

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<p>Russian forces were “maintaining their relatively high offensive tempo in Donetsk region, demonstrating that the Russian military command continues to prioritise advances in eastern Ukraine,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Pokrovsk so significant for Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>Pokrovsk, located just 70 km northwest of Russian-held Donetsk city, is a key logistics hub for the war-torn country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwip27bq3vmHAxWokK8BHdB7G1wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-strikes-russia-with-drones-says-it-is-advancing-deeper-750022" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-strikes-russia-with-drones-says-it-is-advancing-deeper-750022&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip27bq3vmHAxWokK8BHdB7G1wQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Ukraine strikes Russia with drones, says it is advancing deeper</a></strong></p>

<p>The city sits on a key intersection that links the eastern front to the rest of the city and is used to provide supplies to the frontline soldiers.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian offensive ‘will lead to negotiations’</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a top advisor to Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday (Aug 16),&nbsp;that the purpose of the Kursk offensive was to force Russia to initiate peace negotiations.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible footage released by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukrainian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukrainian</a> Ministry of Defence shows early hours of the successful offensive operation of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> Army in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kursk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kursk</a> Oblast of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> on August 6, 2024. <a href="https://t.co/yke5V3pryO">pic.twitter.com/yke5V3pryO</a></p>
— Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BabakTaghvaee1/status/1824388759007137862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Ukraine is not interested in occupying Russian territories," said Mykhailo Podolyak in a statement on social media. "But if we are talking about potential negotiations – I emphasize potential – we will have to put [Russia] at the table opposite. On our own terms," he added.</p>

<p>Ukraine launched its surprise Kursk offensive on August 6 with targeted attacks in three border regions: Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


Amid ongoing offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuation in the eastern city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. As Kyiv forces claim to have occupied around 1,150 sq km of Russian territories, Moscow is pressing ahead with its own offensive and making steady gains in Donetsk.

Amid ongoing offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuation in the eastern city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. As Kyiv forces claim to have occupied around 1,150 sq km of Russian territories, Moscow is pressing ahead with its own offensive and making steady gains in Donetsk. Ukraine’s top military official in Pokrovsk urged people to leave their homes as Russian forces had advanced within 10 km of the city. “Don’t delay,” the official said on Telegram. “The enemy ruthlessly hits critical infrastructure and residential neighbourhoods.” Deepstate, a military analysis outlet with links to Ukraine’s defence ministry, reported Wednesday (Aug 14) that Russian forces were forcefully hitting the Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Toretsk and occupied parts of Niu York. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims capturing 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk region × Russian forces were “maintaining their relatively high offensive tempo in Donetsk region, demonstrating that the Russian military command continues to prioritise advances in eastern Ukraine,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. Why is Pokrovsk so significant for Ukraine? Pokrovsk, located just 70 km northwest of Russian-held Donetsk city, is a key logistics hub for the war-torn country. Also read: Ukraine strikes Russia with drones, says it is advancing deeper The city sits on a key intersection that links the eastern front to the rest of the city and is used to provide supplies to the frontline soldiers. Ukrainian offensive ‘will lead to negotiations’ Meanwhile, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday (Aug 16), that the purpose of the Kursk offensive was to force Russia to initiate peace negotiations. Incredible footage released by the #Ukrainian Ministry of Defence shows early hours of the successful offensive operation of the #Ukraine Army in #Kursk Oblast of #Russia on August 6, 2024. pic.twitter.com/yke5V3pryO — Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch (@BabakTaghvaee1) August 16, 2024 × "Ukraine is not interested in occupying Russian territories," said Mykhailo Podolyak in a statement on social media. "But if we are talking about potential negotiations – I emphasize potential – we will have to put [Russia] at the table opposite. On our own terms," he added. Ukraine launched its surprise Kursk offensive on August 6 with targeted attacks in three border regions: Bryansk, Belgorod, and Kursk. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia launches its own offensive after Kursk attack, forces evacuation in Ukraine’s Pokrovsk

The Ukraine's audacious decision to launch a deep incursion into a Russian territory has sent shock waves through the battlefield. This story explores how the Ukrainian forces press further into Russian land.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims capturing 100 Russian soldiers in Kursk region

Russia is on the search for trench diggers. But Why? Scores of job ads for trench diggers and construction workers in the Kursk region have appeared online. Reportedly, these diggers will build defences in the Kursk because of Ukraine’s surprise invasion. As per sources, at least 30 listings for trench diggers appeared on the classifieds website Avito.

Russia hiring trench diggers after Kursk invasion

Ukraine has established a military administrative office in Russia's western Kursk area, where its surprise incursion into Russian territory is still ongoing, according to its top military commander.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine sets up military office in Russia as incursion grows

Russia's defence ministry announced Thursday that its soldiers had regained a village in the Kursk region that had been seized by Ukraine during its cross-border incursion.

Russia recaptures village in Kursk region, US to provide Ukraine with additional security packages

Former advisor of Israeli PM, Ruthie Blum speaks to WION. Watch our exclusive interview.

Truce stops Israel from strikes not Hamas: Ruthie Blum

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Ukraine's "good advance" in Russia's Kursk region on Wednesday (August 14), saying Kyiv was achieving its strategic goal in the operation. In his nightly address published on Telegram, Zelenskiy appealed to partners to allow long-range strikes on targets inside Russia.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky hails advance in Kursk region, says Kyiv achieving strategic goal

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday said Ukraine's army was advancing in the Russian region of Kursk where it launched a surprise offensive last week.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says, 'Troops moving further in Russia's Kursk region' | Gravitas

#Gravitas | Ukrainian drones reportedly struck four Russian airfields, the largest such attack since the war began. This move comes as Ukrainian forces push deeper into Russian territory, following a cross-border incursion earlier this month that caught the Kremlin completely by surprise.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's biggest drone attack against Russia | Gravitas

#Gravitas | According to a new report, the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline was blown up by a small Ukrainian sabotage team. The report says that the operation was initially approved by President Volodymyr Zelensky who had called it off. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian president has denied the claims. Watch in for more details.

Gravitas: Ukrainian Blew Up Nord Stream Pipeline in 2022, New Report Claims

On Wednesday, Ukrainian soldiers moved deeper into the Kursk region of Russia, claiming that their advances would create a strategic buffer to shield its border regions from Russian aggression.

Russia-Ukraine war: Western weaponry fuels Ukraine's advance

Ukraine said on Wednesday it carried out its largest long-range drone strike of the war on four Russian military airfields overnight, which were hailed by President Volodymyr Zelensky as "timely" and "accurate". Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian drones hit 4 Russian Airbases

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper <em>Wall Street Journal </em>has claimed, citing sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The possibility of sabotaging the pipelines was first discussed by Ukrainian officials in May 2022. A handful of businessmen and military officers had gathered to cheer Kyiv on briefly the Russian invasion. On the evening filled with booze, a pact was made under which the businessmen would provide financial help while the military would execute the task of the ultimate sabotage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial plan involved a small yacht and small divers, including a woman, so as to give the illusion of a small friendly cruise. However, after the CIA&nbsp;caught whiff of the plans, Zelensky cancelled the operation at the request of the agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-ukrainians-blew-up-nord-stream-pipelines-german-media-595393"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media</strong></a></p>

<p>A few months later,&nbsp;former top Ukrainian military commander Valery Zaluzhny ignored Zelensky's order and chalked a new plan.&nbsp;Zaluzhny involved Roman Chervinsky, an ex-officer of Ukraine’s main security and intelligence service to undertake the operation.</p>

<p>A small sailing boat and a team of six members (duty soldiers and civilians with maritime experience) were involved in blowing up the natural gas pipelines. In September, a 50-foot yacht was rented in the German port town of Rostock.</p>

<p>The four divers worked in pairs and operating in the dark, icy waters, planted a&nbsp;powerful explosive known as&nbsp;HMX that was wired to timer-controlled detonators.</p>

<p>Notably, upon being pulled by Zelensky for undermining his authority,&nbsp;Zaluzhniy&nbsp;said that the sabotage team, once dispatched, went&nbsp;incommunicado and couldn’t be called off&nbsp;as it would compromise them and the operation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nord-stream-probe-will-the-perpetrator-ever-be-known-742658"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Nord Stream Probe: Will the perpetrator ever be known?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nord Stream pipelines&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2&nbsp;pipelines&nbsp;stretch 760 miles from&nbsp;the Russian northwest coast&nbsp;to Lubmin in northeast Germany. The first was completed in 2011 and cost more than $12 billion to build while Nord Stream 2 cost slightly less and was completed in 2021 despite backlash from the US, UK and Ukraine amongst others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the explosion, Denmark and Sweden stated that&nbsp;the attacks could not have been carried out without state-sponsored help. While the Nordic countries may have pointed fingers towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin, it has become clear, a couple of years later that Zelensky first engineered the plan that was executed by his troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <em>WSJ </em>report also comes a day after German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian man for the sabotage of the pipelines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims made.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper Wall Street Journal has claimed, citing sources.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky initially approved the plans to sabotage the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines but later attempted to cancel them after the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) found out about it, a report in the newspaper Wall Street Journal has claimed, citing sources. The possibility of sabotaging the pipelines was first discussed by Ukrainian officials in May 2022. A handful of businessmen and military officers had gathered to cheer Kyiv on briefly the Russian invasion. On the evening filled with booze, a pact was made under which the businessmen would provide financial help while the military would execute the task of the ultimate sabotage. The initial plan involved a small yacht and small divers, including a woman, so as to give the illusion of a small friendly cruise. However, after the CIA caught whiff of the plans, Zelensky cancelled the operation at the request of the agency. Also read | At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media A few months later, former top Ukrainian military commander Valery Zaluzhny ignored Zelensky's order and chalked a new plan. Zaluzhny involved Roman Chervinsky, an ex-officer of Ukraine’s main security and intelligence service to undertake the operation. A small sailing boat and a team of six members (duty soldiers and civilians with maritime experience) were involved in blowing up the natural gas pipelines. In September, a 50-foot yacht was rented in the German port town of Rostock. The four divers worked in pairs and operating in the dark, icy waters, planted a powerful explosive known as HMX that was wired to timer-controlled detonators. Notably, upon being pulled by Zelensky for undermining his authority, Zaluzhniy said that the sabotage team, once dispatched, went incommunicado and couldn’t be called off as it would compromise them and the operation. Watch | Nord Stream Probe: Will the perpetrator ever be known? × Nord Stream pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines stretch 760 miles from the Russian northwest coast to Lubmin in northeast Germany. The first was completed in 2011 and cost more than $12 billion to build while Nord Stream 2 cost slightly less and was completed in 2021 despite backlash from the US, UK and Ukraine amongst others. After the explosion, Denmark and Sweden stated that the attacks could not have been carried out without state-sponsored help. While the Nordic countries may have pointed fingers towards Russia and President Vladimir Putin, it has become clear, a couple of years later that Zelensky first engineered the plan that was executed by his troops. The WSJ report also comes a day after German prosecutors issued an arrest warrant against a Ukrainian man for the sabotage of the pipelines. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the claims made. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report

Russian officials Wednesday announced evacuation of 20,000 more people as Ukrainian troops continued their push into the Kursk region. Watch to know more.

Battle of Kursk: Moscow evacuates 220,000 amid Kyiv's advance

Battle of Kursk: Zelensky hails advance in Kursk region, Sudzha town cleared off Russian forces

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