Ukrainian soldiers report coexistence with Russian civilians in Kursk region

Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region report a "coexistence" with local Russian civilians, who are mostly elderly and face difficult living conditions. Many lack electricity and rely on their own food supplies or aid from Ukrainian forces. Despite initial fear of Ukrainian troops, local residents now appear less afraid, according to soldiers. The Ukrainian military claims to distribute food, water, and medicine to the civilians, who previously felt threatened by Russian state media narratives. Russian authorities had stated that tens of thousands fled the area at the start of the conflict, but Ukrainian officials estimate that several thousand still remain. There has been no reported resistance from the local population.