The AFU has lost more than 45.2 thousand soldiers since the beginning of the fighting in the Kursk direction.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) have lost more than 45,220 servicemen since the beginning of hostilities in the Kursk region. This was reported by the Russian Defense Ministry on Sunday, December 29.

Also, the Russian Armed Forces hit militants' manpower and equipment near 15 settlements with operational-tactical and army aviation strikes and artillery fire.

In addition, units of the "North" group of forces defeated Ukrainian army formations in the areas of 10 localities.

During the day Ukrainian losses amounted to up to 400 servicemen, the Russian Defense Ministry informs.

The operation to destroy the AFU formations continues, the ministry said.

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Earlier in the day it was reported about the detection and further destruction of the control point of the AFU drones by the special forces of Rosgvardia. A group of AFU UAV operators was destroyed by an accurate hit in a dugout.

The AFU attacked Russian positions in the border areas of Kursk Region on August 6. The situation in the region was recognized as a federal emergency. The liquidation of the Ukrainian militants who invaded the Russian territory is underway.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the beginning of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.