Ukraine Attacks Russian Kursk Rylsk With US HIMARS Rocket

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - The Russian Investigative Committee said the Ukrainian missile attack on Rylsk, Kursk, Russia killed many people.

Acting governor of the region, Alexander Khinshtein, said Ukraine fired US-backed HIMARS rockets, destroying several buildings including schools, recreation centers, and private residences.

But Russian authorities did not say how many people died.

"I understand how difficult it is to see your hometown in a difficult situation like this," Khinshtein wrote via the Telegram channel.

"But we will overcome it together. All the assistance needed for the victims will be provided," he added.

Khinshtein said Ukraine continues to attack the area, making it difficult for the movement of emergency workers.

Rylsk is about 16 miles (26 km) from the border with the Sumy region in Ukraine.

An unconfirmed report by the Mash Telegram channel, which is close to Russian law enforcement, said seven people were killed in the missile attack, including one child.

Ukrainian troops still control parts of the Kursk region after storming the border in a surprise attack on August 6.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference on Thursday that Ukrainian troops would be expelled from Kursk.

Ukraine accused Kyiv of deliberately targeting civilians in the attack.