Image: Workers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry in Oryol assist residents of the Kursk region who were evacuated following an incursion by Ukrainian troops.

By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies 

Kursk, 9 August 2024 — As the Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region continues into its fourth day, ethnic Armenians in the area have shared their experiences and concerns with RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. The situation has escalated to the point where Russian authorities have imposed a state of emergency and banned large gatherings amid ongoing conflict.

The cross-border offensive by Ukrainian forces, which began on August 6, follows more than two years of intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ethnic Armenians in Kursk have reported significant Ukrainian advances, including the capture of a Gazprom facility used for natural gas deliveries to Europe.

“It can be said that we are at war now,” said an Armenian resident who requested anonymity. “They [Ukrainians] have captured two towns that are 60-70 kilometers away from Kursk. They seized some strategic facilities, including a Gazprom facility. The main fighting is now around Suja, Lgov, and Korenevo. People have been evacuated from these areas. We are inside Kursk, and there is always a risk of missile attacks here. This is how we live.”

Despite the heightened risk, there has been no mass evacuation from Kursk itself. Residents report frequent air alerts, and while public transport continues to operate, services are frequently interrupted. Entertainment venues have been closed, and public gatherings are banned until August 11.

“Entertainment centers are closed, and public transport operates with disruptions due to air alerts,” the resident explained. “Air alerts are issued every half hour, causing buses to stop and passengers to disembark. Trading centers and stores remain open, but people avoid restaurants and hotels. Gatherings at such locations are banned until August 11.”

Another ethnic Armenian, who owns a restaurant in Kursk, confirmed that large gatherings are prohibited, although smaller dining activities continue. “Restaurants are open, but wedding parties, baptism parties, and birthday celebrations are not allowed,” he said. “There is no panic among residents, but uncertainty about what will happen next. We are waiting to see if the emergency will be extended or if Russian forces will regain control.”

The man also mentioned that Russians evacuated from towns near the border are provided temporary housing in Kursk. He expressed uncertainty about the future, noting that the situation remains fluid and dependent on the outcome of ongoing military actions.

According to Russia’s 2020 census, Kursk is home to over 5,000 ethnic Armenians, making them the second-largest ethnic minority in the region after Ukrainians. It is currently unclear whether the Armenian government plans to assist in evacuating its citizens from the area. As of the time of publication, RFE/RL’s Armenian Service had not received a response from the Armenian Foreign Ministry regarding any potential evacuation plans.

As the conflict continues and the state of emergency remains in place, residents of Kursk, including its Armenian community, are left grappling with the uncertainty and challenges posed by the ongoing military engagement.