Economic Damage from Ukraine's Attack on Kursk Region

MOSCOW (Reuters) – The economic damage from Ukraine's attack on Russia's predominantly agricultural Kursk region is estimated at nearly $1 billion, with over 150,000 people evacuated since the incursion began, according to the regional governor on Wednesday.

On August 6th, Ukraine launched its largest military offensive against Russia since World War II, crossing the border into the Kursk region with thousands of troops, supported by drones and heavy weaponry, including Western-made arms.

Kursk, a key grain producer in Russia, contributed 4% to the total grain harvest last year. Russia is the world's leading wheat exporter.

Governor Alexei Smirnov stated that the implementation of a federal emergency regime and a counter-terrorist operation in the region significantly impacted the economy. A public meeting with senior officials at Russia's agriculture ministry highlighted these concerns.

Earlier on Wednesday, pro-Moscow war bloggers and a senior Russian commander reported that Russian forces had launched a major counter-offensive against Ukrainian troops in Kursk.

Smirnov estimated the damage at tens of billions of rubles, with an initial estimate of 85 billion roubles (approximately $934.07 million). He noted that grain harvesting could not be completed on 160,000 hectares and that oilseed crops totaling 500,000 metric tons and 700,000 tons of sugar beet had been damaged or removed from Russia.

Additionally, according to the governor, over 300,000 tons of grain remain in warehouses currently under Ukrainian control. He also reported heavy livestock losses, including over 350,000 dead pigs and cattle.

> ($1 = 91.0000 roubles)