2 Years After Kursk Incursion, Russia Raises Civilian Death Toll to More Than 600

Two years after Ukraine's incursion into the southwestern Kursk region, Russia has raised the civilian death toll to over 600, according to the Investigative Committee. This figure represents a significant increase from earlier estimates ranging from 350 to over 500. The investigation highlighted a case where a Ukrainian serviceman was convicted of terrorism and sentenced to life in prison for his alleged role in the killing of 14 civilians and the rape and murder of eight women. However, the credibility of this claim could not be independently verified by The Moscow Times.

Since Ukraine's retreat from Kursk in early 2025, Russia has secured the return of all known residents held captive by Ukrainian forces. Nonetheless, the whereabouts of an additional 320 civilians remain unknown. The committee is conducting an extensive investigation into potential war crimes committed during the occupation, interviewing returned civilians to document alleged violations.

Property damage caused by the conflict is estimated at 505 billion rubles ($6.2 billion), affecting 186 towns and villages across the region, with at least 53 cultural heritage sites, including churches and museums, damaged during the fighting.

The incursion began in August 2024 and lasted until early 2025, when Russian forces, supported by North Korean troops, launched a counteroffensive that forced Ukraine to retreat. More than 150,000 people were evacuated from border regions due to the ongoing conflict. Separately, an exiled news outlet, IStories and Vyorstka, estimated that at least 77 Russian conscript soldiers died during the Kursk incursion, with over 30 others still missing.

The Moscow Times, facing threats to its independence and staff safety, emphasized the importance of free and unbiased journalism in the face of Russian repression.