Russia Steps Up Evacuations In Kursk Region, Says Ukraine In Control Of Dozens Of Settlements

Ukrainian forces have taken control of at least 28 settlements in Russia's Kursk region after advancing up to 30 kilometers on the seventh day of its surprise offensive, according to Russian officials. More than 120,000 people have been evacuated in the region which is also home to thousands of ethnic Armenians. The head of a local Armenian community association, Derenik Koshtoyan, told RFE/RL's Armenian Service that many have fled to the main city of Kursk from surrounding areas. Others say they are now considering evacuating from the region altogether.