Putin announces beginning of offensive on Ukraine from Kursk
Photo: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has claimed the alleged "beginning of an offensive on Ukraine" from Russia’s Kursk region. He states that Russian forces are "advancing" along the entire frontline, according to Russian media and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU).
"The latest information I received just an hour ago – last night, fighters of the 810th Brigade crossed the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine and entered enemy territory," Putin told Russian propagandists.
According to him, Russian forces are allegedly advancing "along the entire line of engagement."
What the Ukrainian General Staff says
Putin's words resonate with the data from the Ukrainian General Staff, which confirms ongoing battles in the Kursk region.
As of 4:00 PM Kyiv time on Wednesday, February 19, Ukrainian defenders are repelling three attacks in the Kursk region, with 12 combat engagements recorded so far. Meanwhile, Russian forces have carried out nine airstrikes, dropping 11 guided bombs on populated areas and Defense Forces positions.
"Additionally, they conducted 296 artillery strikes, including five using multiple launch rocket systems," the General Staff reported.
Situation in the Kursk region
For more than six months, Ukrainian forces have been conducting offensive operations in the Kursk region, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops.
According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, total Russian losses in the Kursk region have reached nearly 50,000 soldiers, with around 20,000 killed.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces have been striking Russian positions in the Kursk region. Recently, it was reported that Ukrainian forces destroyed a Russian armored column in the Kursk region, which was displaying Soviet flags.
Previously, Ukrainian forces launched multiple waves of offensives in the Kursk region. In early January 2025, reports emerged that Ukrainian forces had attacked Russian positions in the region from several directions. Russian military bloggers even claimed that Ukraine’s offensive was aimed at seizing the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.
