More Russians urged to flee Ukraine’s attack as Kremlin scrambles to respond

Ka-52 helicopter gunships of the Russian air force take off to air strike on concentrations of manpower, armoured vehicles and automobile military equipment of the Ukrainian armed forces in the border area of the Kursk region (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

An official in the Kursk border region of Russia has urged more residents to evacuate due to the “very tense situation” in the area, where Russian forces are still scrambling to respond to a surprise Ukrainian attack after almost a week of fierce fighting.

Russia’s emergency authorities say more than 76,000 people have fled their homes in areas of Kursk, where Ukrainian troops and armour poured across the border on August 6, reportedly driving as deep as 30 kilometres (19 miles) into Russia and sowing alarm.