Putin Pushes for Kursk ‘Liberation’ in First Visit, Ukraine Hints at Retreat, ‘Runs Out’ of ATACMS
Russian President Putin visited the border region of Kursk on March 12 for the first time since Ukraine launched its shock counter-offensive in August. Russian state TV showed Putin dressed in military uniform while visiting a Russian military control centre in Kursk. Putin expressed hope his army was on the brink of “fully liberating” Kursk region which partially has been under Ukrainian control. Moscow forces have liberated more than 1100 sq km of territory in the border region over the last five days, the Russian army chief told Putin. According to Gerasimov, almost 67,000 Ukrainians had been killed or wounded during the operation on Russian soil. General Valery Gerasimov also told Putin that Russia has captured 430 Ukrainian soldiers fighting in the region. Meanwhile, Putin told the Russian army chief to treat captured fighters as “terrorists, in accordance with Russian laws.” n18oc_world n18oc_crux0:00 INTRODUCTION4:20 UKRAINE ADMITS “DIFFICULT SITUATION” IN KURSK7:10 UKRAINE OUT OF ATACMS MISSILES?
