Russian military cleared settlements near Sugea of AFU fighters

Volunteers of the Alexander Nevsky Brigade continue clearing settlements in the Suzhansky district of Kursk Region from Ukrainian militants and provide assistance to local residents who are returning to their homes. Images from the scene on January 4 are published by Izvestia.

"The arrivals were exactly to [the church]. They have nothing sacred," the commander of an artillery battery of the Alexander Nevsky Volunteer Reconnaissance and Assault Brigade with the call sign Pervy showed.

The Russian military continues to beat Ukrainian militants out of villages in the Kursk region. Even as they retreat, units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) continue drone and artillery strikes on half-destroyed houses. As noted by Izvestia correspondent Alexander Fedorchak, it is possible to move around the recently liberated settlements only on a cross-country motorcycle due to the risk of shelling, and houses from recent "arrivals" are still burning in the streets.

Despite the situation in the area, local residents have begun to return to their homes. Thus, Vyacheslav Klimenko told the correspondent that he has already learned to determine from the sounds of explosions from which side the shelling is being conducted. According to him, despite the lack of gas and water, he could not leave his household. Volunteers from the Nevsky Brigade are helping the pensioner.

"The parents' house [has motivated me]. Especially the bees...I have an apiary, in the shower right here they are scrambling. I didn't prepare them for winter this year," he said.

Despite the return to the settlements of civilians, as well as the New Year holidays. the Ukrainian militants continue to attempt to carry out counterattacks, noted an artilleryman of the Alexander Nevsky volunteer reconnaissance and assault brigade with the call sign Skripach.

"From a strategic point of view, the fact that they came here is foolishness. I think so. They have fewer forces. But they are trying to attack here," said his fellow soldier, a gun loader with the call sign Byaka.

As the fighters noted, the main motivator for them is the support of local residents. For example, nine-year-old Seryozha Boev greets every day the Russian Armed Forces soldiers who are sent to the front line. He has become a local celebrity, and the fighters often bring him souvenirs as a thank you - this time they gave him a new chevron for his collection.

Border condition: Ukrainian forces failed to reach their targets near Kursk

The adventurous invasion of Russian territory cost the AFU dearly

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the AFU had lost more than 540 servicemen in the Kursk direction. Operational-tactical army aviation and artillery forces struck and hit the enemy's manpower and equipment. It is noted that in total during the fighting in the Kursk direction the AFU lost more than 47,810 soldiers, 267 tanks, 205 BMPs, 147 armored personnel carriers, 1,418 armored combat vehicles.

The Ukrainian armed forces attacked Russian positions in the border areas of the Kursk region on August 6. The situation in the region was recognized as a federal emergency. Ukrainian militants who invaded the Russian territory are being liquidated.

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