MOSCOW, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Several Ukrainian units are retreating from the Kursk region, local media reported Wednesday, citing a senior official of the Russian Defense Ministry.
"The enemy has been stopped and has suffered heavy losses. Essentially ... some of the units are being withdrawn in order to be sent to other areas," said Apty Alaudinov, deputy head of the main military political directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry, commander of the Akhmat special forces.
The fighting continues in several settlements on the outskirts, which are currently under Russian control, he added.
The Ukrainian armed forces started an offensive in southern Russia's Kursk region on Aug. 6. The Russian Defense Ministry reported Wednesday that Ukraine has so far lost over 4,400 military personnel and 65 tanks during fighting in the region. ■
