Russian marines seize Ukrainian fortifications in Kursk Region (VIDEO)

Kiev’s forces have been driven out of strongholds in the border zone, the Defense Ministry in Moscow has said

Russian marines have recaptured fortified positions used by Ukrainian forces in the border area of Russia’s Kursk Region, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) announced on Thursday.

According to the MOD, marines belonging to the Pacific Fleet from the ‘North’ group have driven Ukrainian troops out of an administrative building in one of the settlements in the Kursk border area.

The MOD statement says the continuous monitoring of the area with UAVs had helped to “quickly detect the main resistance centers and drive the enemy out of their strongholds.” 

The marines attacked from several sides at once, the MOD said, adding that the Ukrainian forces had fired back with machine guns and grenade launchers, but were unable to hold out.

A video released by the ministry shows around 30 Ukrainian personnel retreating from the building, leaving behind dead fighters and abandoning weapons.

The MOD said the marines from the ‘North’ group would continue to follow the assault groups and consolidate their positions in the liberated territories.

Kiev launched its incursion in Russia’s Kursk Region in early August, seizing the town of Sudzha and several nearby villages. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky claimed the operation was part of a “victory plan,” which was intended to strengthen Kiev’s hand in potential talks with Moscow. Since mid-September, the Russian military has been conducting counteroffensive operations and regained control of multiple towns and villages.

On Wednesday, the MOD announced that Russian troops had liberated two more villages, Daryino and Plekhovo.

According to the latest MOD estimates, Ukraine has lost more than 40,000 troops during the hostilities in Kursk Region, while sustaining heavy material losses in the offensive. Up to 236 tanks, 175 infantry armored vehicles, 123 armored personnel carriers, 1,251 armored combat vehicles, 308 artillery pieces, 1,115 vehicles, 40 multiple rocket system launchers, including US-made 11 HIMARS and six MLRS, have been destroyed there, the MOD said.