Ukrainian Pivnich (Northern) operational command spokesperson Vadym Mysnyk said on Saturday that Russia has increased its troop deployment in Kursk Oblast from 11,000 personnel before the incursion in August to an estimated 30,000 to 45,000 now.

A Russian counter-offensive to recover parts of Kursk lost to Ukrainian forces following a surprise, cross-border attack is underway but is yet to gain momentum.

Clashes in the southern border region of Kursk are becoming deadlier, Ukrainian troops say, as Russian resistance and counterattacks slow Kyiv’s advances.