Major-General Apty Alaudinov, the commander of the Akhmat Special Forces from Russia’s Chechen Republic called the conflict in Russia’s Kursk Region a “decisive battle” that will ultimately result in Kiev’s collapse.

In a video posted on his Telegram channel on Saturday, Alaudinov, who took on the role of deputy head of the Main Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces in April 2024, declared that it is “inconceivable” for Russia to face defeat on the battlefield.

The comments were in response to Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk border region, marking the largest assault on Russian territory since the conflict between the neighboring states began in February 2022.

While appealing for more people to join the army, he said “I see no reason for you to doubt, to think that we could even lose this battle."

“I urge all of you to make a decision in this battle. The decisive battle,” he said, adding, “Because after this battle, Ukraine will fall,” as well as NATO, Europe, the US, and “all those supporting Ukraine.” 

He highlighted the presence of Americans, Poles, English, and French individuals fighting for Kiev, stating, “You have no place… in our land, and we will do everything to keep you out," emphasizing that “Russia is more united than ever; we are a force that no one can stop.”

Since the incursion began on Tuesday, the Ukrainian military has reportedly lost nearly 1,120 soldiers and 140 armored vehicles, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, which also stated that the advance has been halted.

Moscow described the raid as a provocation and accused Kiev of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Western military specialists questioned Ukraine's strategic reason for attacking the Russian province of Kursk, citing limited resources and difficulties in sustaining a long front line, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday.

Russia launches 'counterterror' operations

Late on Friday, Russia's National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) announced that "counterterrorism measures" have been implemented in Russia's Kursk Region and two neighboring regions in response to the incursion.

The Kremlin labeled the assault a major provocation and accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Kiev has stated that one of the goals of the incursion was to instill fear in the Russian populace and erode their support for the government.