US officials said the Kremlin redirected military resources from Ukraine to the border region, where Kyiv's forces launched their cross-border assault last week.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said: "It is apparent to us that Vladimir Putin and the Russian military are diverting some resources, some units, towards the Kursk Oblast to ostensibly counter what the Ukrainians are doing." But Ukrainian forces were still marauding | further into mainland Russia as underpressure Putin "put on a brave face" in front of the Kremlin's inner circle.
According to Russian officials, nearly 200,000 of its terrified citizens have now been forced to evacuate from border regions following the surprise attack.
In response, alarmed Kremlin chiefs have ordered troops to start digging huge defensive trenches 10 miles north of Ukraine's furthest position in the Kursk region.
This story is from the August 17, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 17, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KANE CAPS HIS SPECIAL NIGHT
Double delight for Harry as he brings up his century in style
Flash Gordon could have the last laugh on Gareth after his fall from grace
ANTHONY GORDON'S last significant contribution to Gareth Southgate's England tenure was to crash his electric bicycle at speed while making a video of himself.
Smith out to prove he can be a wizard in Oz
JAMIE USING ODI SERIES TO WARM UP FOR ASHES
£30M? HE'S AN ASTON BARGAIN
Newey has the Midas touch
STOUTE SET TO RETIRE
RACING legend Sir Michael Stoute reflected on a \"great and enjoyable journey\" after he announced his decision to retire yesterday.
Forty die in Israeli strike on 'safe zone'
Second hit on civilians in days
Doctor struck off after he stole £52k from NHS
Kar expert faked pandemic timesheets to pay school fees
Weinstein in intensive care after heart op
RAPIST movie mogul mogul Harvey Weinstein remained in intensive care last night after emergency surgery to remove fluid on his heart and lungs.
100 drones take war to heart of Moscow
MOSCOW burned amid the heaviest aerial attack of Russia's war with Ukraine as more than 100 drones rained down on the capital.
Natural choice ...Sir David is confirmed for new BBC show
still viewers’ favourite at 98