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Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned a recent cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces into western Russia as a "major provocation."
On Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry reported that Ukrainian troops had penetrated the border, launching an assault on the Kursk region. According to Russian media, the attack resulted in the deaths of five civilians and injuries to 24 others.
During a government meeting on Wednesday, Putin criticized Kyiv for the aggression and directed relevant agencies to aid those affected in the region. Following this, he convened with top defense and security officials, including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces, stated that approximately 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers were involved in the operation, aiming to seize control of part of Kursk. Gerasimov added that while Russian forces have managed to halt the Ukrainian advance, clashes are ongoing to repel them completely.
The Ukrainian military has yet to comment on the incident. This attack follows previous attempts by Ukrainian forces to target border villages in Russia's Belgorod and Kursk regions.
