Russia Claims Full Control of Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Denials from Ukraine
Russia asserts it has regained complete control of Kursk, while Ukraine denies the claims, stating its forces are still active in the region.
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Overview
Russian military officials have declared full control over the Kursk region, insisting Ukrainian forces have been expelled, while Ukraine counters these claims, maintaining operational activities in the area. Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov announced the liberation of Gornal, the last village held by Ukraine, and praised North Korean troops' significant assistance to Russian forces. Despite facing heavy Russian troop presence and drone attacks, Ukraine continues operations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has signaled proximity to peace discussions, with Zelensky advocating for a ceasefire amidst territorial concessions pressures, raising concerns over future bargaining positions.
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Analysis
- Russia claims to have fully regained control of the Kursk region, with the Ukrainian military denying this assertion and stating that fighting continues.
- Both Russian and Ukrainian leadership acknowledge the presence of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces, highlighting the international complexity of the conflict.
- Diplomatic efforts for peace continue, with talks between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky aimed at negotiating a potential ceasefire.
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FAQ
Russia's Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported the liberation of Gornal village, the last Ukrainian-held settlement in Kursk Oblast, during a videoconference with Putin[1][3]. Ukrainian authorities, however, deny these claims, maintaining their forces still operate in the area[3][5].
North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk Oblast starting November 2024, assisting Russian forces in combat operations against Ukrainian troops[2][3]. The extent of their direct battlefield involvement remains unclear.
Ukraine sought to damage Russian military infrastructure, capture troops, push artillery out of range, disrupt supply lines, divert forces from other fronts, and pressure Russia into peace negotiations[2][4].
The offensive reportedly stretched Ukrainian forces thin, enabling Russian advances toward Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast by late August 2024[2].
Zelensky's ceasefire advocacy, coupled with U.S. diplomatic involvement, suggests potential concessions under negotiation. Observers note Kyiv's withdrawal from Kursk positions in March 2025 may relate to these pressures[5], though direct linkage remains unconfirmed.
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