The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday that a series of Ukrainian attacks in the western part of Russia's Kursk region had been repelled, DPA reported, BTA reported.
According to the ministry, the attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces were concentrated in the area of the villages of Ulanok and Cherkasskaya Konopelka, but they remained under Russian control. Reuters notes that this information from the battlefield could not be independently confirmed by sources. There has been no comment from the official authorities in Kiev yet.
This is the second surprise offensive this year by Ukrainian forces operating in Russia's Kursk region, bordering Ukraine.
Against this backdrop, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for the first French Mirage 2000 fighter jets that are already in Ukraine, Ukrinform reported, citing his statement on the Ex social platform.
"Ukraine's Air Force continues to develop. The first Mirage 2000 fighter jets from France have arrived, strengthening our air defense capabilities. I thank Emmanuel Macron for his leadership and support - the French president keeps his word and we appreciate it. This is another step in strengthening Ukraine's security," Zelensky noted.