Russia seeks to shift Kursk IDP crisis onto occupied Zaporizhzhia region

Viktor Dudukalov, deputy chairman of the Berdyansk District Council, revealed this on Espreso TV.

“Berdyansk to Kyrylivka, a nearly 200-kilometer stretch of coastline, is what the local puppet leader Balitsky proposed to the head of the Kursk region administration, their governor. But beyond announcements and plans, there’s been nothing concrete — no details, just some so-called agreements. Thankfully, nothing has happened so far, but the locals are outraged this was even suggested. There isn’t enough to go around even for those living in the occupied areas. It’s clear these puppet leaders plan to seize property and settle the migrants there. But considering the precedent set when Orenburg flood victims were relocated, only to be abandoned in poor conditions, and then they just returned home,” Dudukalov explained.

There’s also talk that the humanitarian aid Russia promised to send to the occupied Zaporizhzhia region has instead been redirected to the Kursk region.

“They're even telling the locals under occupation, ‘Maybe you can help out.’ Not only will the humanitarian aid meant for them be sent to the Kursk refugees, but the locals might be asked to pitch in too. This is like what happened when they were told, ‘Let’s send something to our boys on the front lines’ — and remember, this is supposedly the world’s second-best army — they collected tea, honey, socks, practically stripping the occupied people bare. Tomorrow, they’ll come back and take the last of their gasoline, decent food, and medicine — whatever people still have left. The Russians are desperate to solve their problems with the occupied territories and their residents. They want to redirect this social issue because all the complaints will be heading there. They don't want the Ukrainian-speaking residents of the Kursk region showing up in the Moscow suburbs, talking about what’s really happening. They want to hide them, along with the reality, so no one sees or hears a thing,” added Dudukalov.

Ukraine’s cross-border incursion in Russia’s Kursk region

On August 6, the authorities of Russia's Kursk region stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly tried to break through the Russian border, but were allegedly pushed back. Later, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that "the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group retreated to its territory.”

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate refused to comment on the statements regarding the Kursk region. However, NV media, citing its own source in Ukrainian intelligence, wrote that the events in the Kursk region "definitely did not involve fighters of the Russian Volunteer Corps, who are fighting as part of Ukraine's Armed Forces.”

The Institute for the Study of War noted that the Russian Defense Ministry, acting governor of the Kursk region Alexei Smirnov, and some propagandists have different versions of the events in the Kursk region.

On August 7, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin convened the Russian military leadership to discuss the situation in the Kursk region, which he called a "large-scale provocation." At the time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on the international community to "strongly condemn the Kyiv regime's criminal attacks on Russian territory."

On the same day, Russian media reported that workers at the Kursk nuclear power plant feared that the plant's management had not prepared for a possible attack by the Ukrainian armed forces.

Additionally, in the Kursk region, the Russians have started forming UAV operator units from civilians, providing them with up to 10 hours of training.

On August 7, a state of emergency was introduced in the Kursk region.

On August 8, the Institute for War Studies reported that Ukrainian troops confirmed advancing up to 10 km deep into the Kursk region as mechanized offensives continued.

On August 8, Russia’s National Guard announced that it had implemented additional security measures at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant to protect a "particularly important facility."

The Washington Post reported that Ukraine has taken control of the gas metering station in Sudzha, Kursk region. Previously, Russia claimed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had occupied several border villages and part of the town of Sudzha.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh stated that Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk region in Russia "are consistent with U.S. policy" and do not cause any escalation.

On Friday, August 9, it was reported that terrorists from PMC Wagner intend to fight for Russia in the Kursk region.

On August 13, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine controls 74 settlements in Russia's Kursk region.