Ukraine's $1B Blow: Kursk Region Faces Severe Agricultural Devastation

Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region has resulted in nearly $1 billion in economic damage, affecting crops and livestock, and leading to the evacuation of 150,000 people. The attack, involving thousands of troops and Western-made weapons, has significantly impacted the region's agriculture and economy.

(Adds more damage data from the governor) MOSCOW, Sept 11 (Reuters) -

Economic devastation from Ukraine's attack on Russia's agricultural Kursk region is estimated at nearly $1 billion, according to regional governor Alexei Smirnov. Since the Aug. 6 incursion, over 150,000 people have been evacuated. This marks the most significant foreign attack on Russia since World War II, with Ukraine deploying thousands of troops, drones, and heavy Western-made weaponry.

Kursk, which supplies 4% of Russia's grain harvest, has been hit hard. Governor Smirnov indicated that federal emergency and counter-terrorist measures implemented in the region have disrupted the local economy. Russian forces have initiated a counter-offensive against Ukrainian troops, as acknowledged by war bloggers and a senior Russian commander.

Smirnov provided a preliminary damage estimate of 85 billion roubles ($934.07 million). Grain harvesting on 160,000 hectares is incomplete, and oilseed and sugar beet crops are significantly impacted. The region also reported livestock losses exceeding 350,000 pigs and cattle.