Early gubernatorial elections announced in Kursk Oblast amid security challenges

According to Smirnov, the decision was made "to ensure safety and protect the lives and health of Russian citizens." Smirnov, who is also a registered candidate from the United Russia party, acknowledged that the voting will take place "in difficult circumstances."

Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast

On Aug. 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy first confirmed the ongoing operation by the Defense forces in Kursk Oblast. He emphasized that the goal of the operation, which began on Aug. 6, is to free the border areas of Ukraine from regular Russian military shelling.

On Aug. 15, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that 82 settlements in Kursk Oblast are now under Ukrainian control, covering 1,150 square kilometers, including the city of Sudzha.

On the same day, Eduard Moskalyov was appointed head of the first military commandant’s office in the Ukrainian-controlled areas of Kursk Oblast.

According to The Independent as of Aug. 15, Ukrainian forces have managed to capture about 2,000 Russian soldiers in Russia.

On Aug. 16, Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian troops had advanced another 1–3 kilometers.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the occupiers have transferred up to 5,000 soldiers to Kursk Oblast, while about 20,000 will be needed for a counteroffensive.

On Aug. 19, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces control over 1,250 square kilometers in Kursk Oblast and 92 settlements in Russian territory.