UPDATE - Russia says 24 injured in Ukrainian attacks in Kursk region

UPDATES WITH LATEST STATEMENTS BY RUSSIAN DEFENSE MINISTRY AND KURSK GOVERNOR; EDITS THROUGH

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia said on Wednesday that 24 people have been injured in Ukrainian attacks in the Kursk region over the past day.

“As a result of shelling … in the Kursk region, 24 people, including six children, were injured and traumatized,” the deputy head of the Health Ministry, Alexey Kuznetsov, told journalists.

He said 13 people, including three children, were hospitalized, adding that one person was in serious condition.

Kuznetsov said a team of medical specialists was sent to support medical workers in the region.

Russia on Tuesday claimed that up to 300 Ukrainian troops, including 11 tanks and more than 20 armored combat vehicles, attacked its military positions near two border settlements adjacent to Ukraine's Sumy region.

The Defense Ministry also claimed early Wednesday that it downed four Ukrainian drones over the Kursk region.

The ministry later said clashes between its troops and Ukrainian forces continued overnight, further claiming that Russian forces did not allow Ukraine to advance "deep into the territory of the Russian Federation."

At least five people have died since the start of the clashes in Kursk, according to statements by the region’s acting governor, Alexey Smirnov.

Smirnov also said the situation in the region is "under control," and that the evacuation of residents from areas near the border has been organized.

Ukrainian authorities have not yet commented on Russia’s claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing war.