Russia claims it liberated 10 settlements in Kursk region

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian forces have reportedly liberated 10 settlements in the Kursk region, according to Maj. Gen. Apty Alaudinov, the deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian army and commander of the Akhmat special forces unit on Wednesday.

"The situation is favorable. Our units have launched an offensive on the right flank of the Kursk direction. As of yesterday and today, around 10 settlements in the Kursk region have been liberated in this direction," Alaudinov told the Russian state news agency TASS.

Separately, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that Ukrainian forces attempted attacks near the settlements of Apanasovka, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Borki, and Fanaseyevka in the Kursk region, all of which were successfully repelled.

Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, who was appointed to the position on May 14, visited the conflict zone for the first time since assuming office, the ministry said.

"Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held a meeting at the command post of the Zapad group of forces, where he received briefings on the current situation, the provision of servicemen in the special military operation zone, and the nature of opponent actions," the statement read.

Colonel-General Sergey Kuzovlev, the commander of the Zapad group, informed the minister that Ukrainian troops were sustaining significant losses. Belousov was also briefed on the destruction of the opponent's equipment and personnel, it noted.

At the conclusion of his visit, Belousov expressed gratitude to the servicemen operating in the special military operation zone and presented state awards, including the Order of Courage and multiple medals for bravery and life-saving efforts.

Fighting continues in both the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched an incursion on Aug. 5-6, and in eastern Ukraine, where Russia claims ongoing advances on several fronts.