12.Speaking in a video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ongoing situation in the region, Alexey Smirnov, the acting governor of Kursk Oblast, described it as "difficult.""Today, 28 settlements are under enemy control," he said, in comments reported by Russian state media, adding the incursion was up to 12 kilometres deep along a 40km front.The Ukrainian military launched a surprise incursion across the border into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6, bringing regular Ukrainian forces into Russia for the first time.Smirnov's statement is the first official comment from either side on the status of territorial control in the region. While Ukrainian officials and military command have so far not officially commented on the operation in Kursk Oblast, media have been forced to rely on limited and questionable information circulated by Russian Telegram channels and videos of Ukrainian forces that often surface anonymously.In these conditions, it has so far remained unclear not only what territory Ukrainian forces hold, but whether they plan to dig in and fortify a new front line inside Russia, or eventually return across the border.Although reinforcements sent by Moscow have begun to arrive on the battlefield, Ukraine has reportedly continued to advance farther into Kursk Oblast.Russian authorities have been forced to announce widening civilian evacuation measures in a number of districts bordering Ukraine.Smirnov told Putin that 121,000 people had so far been evacuated and another 59,000 needed to leave.Earlier on Aug.