The acting governor of Kursk oblast, Alexei Smirnov, said on Telegram on Saturday night that he had told local authorities to accelerate efforts to move civilians from areas at risk of fighting with Ukrainian troops.
Russian media quoted the regional Emergencies Ministry in the border region of Kursk as saying that more than 76,000 people have been relocated to safer areas in recent days since the surprise Ukrainian incursion.
Ukrainian forces opened up a new front in Russian oblast bordering northeastern Ukraine in recent days, seemingly vying for a foothold, or at least a disruptive presence, in Russian territory. Kursk has since declared a state of emergency.
Meanwhile, a man and his 4-year-old son were killed in a Russian missile strike near Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was likely Moscow used a North Korean missile in the attack.
Russia vows ‘tough response’ to border attacks
Russia’s Foreign Ministry vowed to deliver a “tough response” to Ukrainian incursions into three of its border regions.
“A tough response from the Russian army will not be long in coming,” ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a statement.
She said that a Ukrainian strike hit a multistory residential building in the Kursk region, injuring 13 people. The report could not be independently confirmed.
Russia likely used North Korean missile in Kyiv strike — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian forces likely used a North Korean missile during an overnight airstrike near the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
The strike on the district of Brovary, which lies immediately northeast of the city, killed a man and his 4-year-old son.
“According to preliminary information, the Russians used a North Korean missile in this attack,” the Ukrainian president said in a post on social media.
He said that pyrotechnic experts were still examining the missile.
Pyongyang and Moscow signed a comprehensive partnership treaty in June, which included a mutual defense pledge.
The US and its allies have accused North Korea of providing weaponry to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy reiterated calls to Ukraine’s Western allies to boost assistance, saying “a full-fledged air shield” was needed to protect cities, as well as “strong decisions” from partners.
