Politics Lithuania: Russia moves troops from Kaliningrad to Kursk
In response to Ukraine's invasion of the Kursk region, Russia is moving some of its troops out of its Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad, according to Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas.
14.08.2024, 13:36
SDA
"They need more resources and are trying to withdraw them from other areas," Kasciunas told the Baltic agency BNS. He did not provide any further details. Kaliningrad is located between the EU and NATO countries of Poland and Lithuania. There was no information from the Russian side.
The Ukrainian armed forces have been attacking the Russian region of Kursk with a major ground offensive since August 6. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the army has now captured 74 villages in the Kursk region - twice as many as stated by the Russian side. Neither claim can be verified.
According to Kasciunas, the advance is highly symbolic for Ukraine. "First and foremost, it is a moral boost, which is of course very important," he said. Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for almost two and a half years and has shifted the fight to enemy territory with its own troops for the first time.
Kasciunas met Zelenskyi in Kiev on Tuesday evening. According to a recording published by the Ukrainian side, he even spoke of a "demilitarization" of the Kaliningrad region, which is taking place thanks to the bravery of the Ukrainian military and decisions made by Kiev. In fact, the Russian military is still present in Kaliningrad.
