MASS EXODUS
Desperate Putin rushing tanks & troops to Kursk to stop Ukraine invasion as vids show droves of Russians trying to flee
Watch the video to see Ukraine's continued assaults on the Russian region of Kursk
VLADIMIR Putin is rushing his troops and tanks to the Russian region of Kursk to defend against Ukraine's invasion.
A huge convoy of Ukrainian tanks stormed into several Russian villages, decimating Putin's soldiers, supplies and buildings in a "masterstroke" cross-border offensive this week.
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In response to the blitzing, Russia's defence ministry has announced a major deployment of their military capabilities over to the frontlines.
In a statement to local media they said Russia is moving "multiple rocket launchers, towed artillery guns, tanks transported on trawls, heavy tracked vehicles and Ural and Kamaz trucks".
They are being sent to defend Kursk's Sudzhansky District which has been at the heart of Ukrainian attacks since Tuesday morning.
The latest Ukrainian offensive has seen a column of Russian troops being deployed to halt the Ukrainian counter invasion ruthlessly eliminated.
Shocking footage shows a 400-strong military unit moments after it was blasted - with bodies pilling up on the road and inside of the burnt out service trucks.
Putin's men were taken out by a HIMARS missile strike which directly blasted the convoy of 14 trucks.
The horrific trail of exploded trucks covered well over 100ft of road in the war torn Kursk region.
The exact number of deaths is still unconfirmed but it is set to mark one of the most crushing attacks of the war for Russia so far.
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It comes as terrified Russians in the area have been forced to escape due to the continued drone and missile strikes.
Footage shows civilians driving away from their homes in huge numbers after Russian officials were made to declare a state of emergency after the shock invasion.
Ukraine ‘kills up to 400 troops’ IN RUSSIA as HIMARS strike wipes out column in devastating attack on Putin’s doorstep
Despite the dire situation, Putin spoke with Alexei Smirnov, the acting Governor of Kursk Oblast, and told them the situation requires courage and composure.
In a bizarre speech talking about the Kursk conflict the dictator told Smirnov: "Life poses extraordinary, challenging tasks of helping people.
"While you certainly have the necessary professional knowledge, skills, and experience, they alone are not enough.
"In today’s circumstances, you need a certain level of courage and composure."
On Thursday, reports claimed Ukraine had advanced up to 20 miles inside Russia - leaving Putin humiliated by being caught out.
The tyrant blasted the attack as a "large-scale provocation".
Ukraine's army is said to be looking to keep control of Kursk and the surrounding regions for as long as possible despite Russia calling on reinforcements.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky said last night that Russia needed to "feel" the consequences of its invasion which started over two years ago.
An adviser to the brave Ukrainian leader says the plan is to disrupt Putin's regime and force him onto the negotiating table.
To strengthen their position, Zelensky has reportedly asked the US to allow them to use long-range ATACMS missiles to strike airfields used by Russia.
According to The Washington Post, the adviser said: "This will give them the leverage they need to negotiate with Russia."
Washington is already said to be discussing the use of US-supplied weapons for Ukraine to use against Russian targets.
Former British military intelligence officer Philip Ingram described the Ukrainian offensive as a "masterstroke" by Zelensky and an utter embarrassment for Vlad and his men.
Ingram said: "The mini-invasion targeted an area where Russian defences are weak. Ukraine has embarrassed Putin and the Russian military.
"They've brought the war to ordinary Russians and set the conditions for negotiations.
"It is too early to tell Ukraine's ultimate objectives, but on the surface it could be a masterstroke if they can continue the advance and hold off Russian counterattacks."
Ukraine has continued to find success even without the more powerful weapons they hope for.
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Why does Ukraine launch cross-border strikes on Russia?
By James Halpin, Foreign News Reporter
Ukraine has attacked Russia itself a number of times since Russia invaded their neighbour in February 2022.
The strikes have included both ground assaults with tanks and troops, and also the use of long-range missiles.
In March, Ukraine-supporting Russian rebels from the Freedom of Russia Legion (FRL), Siberian Battalion (SB) and Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) launched a two-pronged assault.
In May last year, the Free Russia Legion attacked the country as they sought to "build a free Russia".
None of the incursions have so far been able to hold any land, with the invaders being beaten back or retreating.
Ultimately, they seek to stretch Russian forces, strike Russia in unprotected areas, and destroy critical infrastructure like logistics hubs, ammunition depots, or disrupt Russian events.
A major Russian bomb store and military airfield was taken out in a massive kamikaze drone strike this week.
The devastating precision attack in Lipetsk left hundreds of locals desperately fleeing from four nearby villages as endless rounds of munition started to explode.
Chilling video shows the moment several deadly drones are sent plummeting towards the Russian region.
As they smash into the ground huge fireball can be seen erupting followed by thick plumes of smoke.
Regional governor Igor Artamonov described the blasts as a "massive attack" as he declared a state of emergency for the Lipetsk district.
Nine people have reportedly been killed in the blasts.
Terrified locals also reported four powerful explosions near the village of Oktyabrskoye with significant losses expected.
Roads leading into the village have been completely blocked off with constant gunfire being heard as Putin aims to fight back.
It comes as a senior politician with close ties to the Kremlin has now claimed the blame for the attacks should lie with Britain.
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Adalbi Shkhagoshev, a member of the State Duma Committee, accused them of instigating and aiding in the operation.
He told Russian media: "Britain participated in all such sorties. English was heard."
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