Russia says has taken back 800 square km of Kursk region from Ukrainian forces

MOSCOW, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Russian forces have taken back more than 800 square km (309 square miles) of territory from Ukraine in the Kursk region of western Russia, or about 64% of the total taken by Ukraine since an incursion began last year, a top Russian general said.

"Over 800 square kilometers have been liberated, which is about 64% of the territory initially occupied by the enemy (1,268 square kilometers)," Colonel General Sergei Rudskoi, head of the General Staff's main operational directorate, told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.

Rudskoi said Russia was advancing in all directions.