Kursk Region
Russia announced on Sunday that it successfully evacuated 371 civilians from areas it recently recaptured from Ukrainian forces in the border Kursk region.
This evacuation comes after months of uncertainty and concern over the fate of civilians who were trapped when Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion in August 2024, more than two years into Russia’s military offensive.
According to the acting Governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, the evacuation process began on March 12. He stated that a total of 371 people, including 14 children, were moved to safety. Out of the total evacuees, 220 civilians have been placed in temporary accommodations within the Kursk region, while the rest are staying with relatives.
The Russian Defense Ministry released images showing mostly elderly individuals being transported in small vans from the towns of Sudzha and Kazachya Loknya, which were previously under Ukrainian control.
The footage also depicted civilians lining up in a damaged school and being escorted by Russian soldiers during the evacuation process.
The situation of civilians in these areas has been a major concern for months, with little information available about their condition while under Ukrainian control.
Families of those trapped on the Ukrainian side of the front line had repeatedly called for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to allow safe passage for their loved ones.
The lack of action from local Russian authorities had sparked frustration and anger among relatives who feared for the safety of their family members.
The exact number of civilians who remained trapped in areas controlled by Ukrainian forces remains unknown. However, the successful evacuation of 371 individuals marks a significant step in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has also been advocating for the return of its own civilians who have been caught in Russian-occupied territories since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The ongoing conflict continues to displace thousands of civilians on both sides, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
As the war rages on, the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones remains a critical issue for both Russia and Ukraine, with international human rights organizations calling for the protection of civilians and the establishment of safe corridors to prevent further suffering.
