Putin Gathers Senior Officials To Discuss Russia's Border Situation Amid Ukrainian Attacks

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation on Russian territory bordering Ukraine after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on Kursk territory on August 6.

Ukraine's depat attack on Kursk, the largest on Russia by foreign powers since the Second World War, has caused thousands of Ukrainian troops to break through Russia's western border, which seems to surprise Moscow.

Fierce fighting ever since comes as Russian forces fight to expel Ukrainian soldiers seeking to consolidate and expand their territory.

"I am gathering you to discuss the current developing situation in the Russian border region," Putin said at the opening of the meeting.

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said Russia was assessing agricultural and industrial damage to border areas.

Acting Governor Kursk Alexei Smirnov said 133,190 people had left or been evacuated from his area. Putin asked Smirnov if cooperation with law enforcement and military agencies was successful. Smirnov said so.

Governor Bryansk Alexander Bogomaz told Putin border forces had thwarted efforts by the Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance team to enter the region.