Ukraine Maintains Hold in Kursk Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Despite Russian claims of regaining control, Ukraine's military asserts it still occupies a critical 90 sq km of territory in the Kursk region, following a significant incursion last August.

Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, has reported that Ukrainian forces continue to defend a small segment of territory within Russia's Kursk region, which they captured nearly a year ago. In a surprise offensive launched in August 2024, Ukraine seized over 1,000 square kilometers (approximately 386 square miles) from Russian control.

Commander Syrsky stated that approximately 10,000 Russian troops are currently attempting to push back Ukrainian forces. While Russian officials maintain that they have regained complete control of the area, Syrsky emphasized on Sunday that Ukraine still holds about 90 square kilometers (around 35 square miles) in the Kursk region. During a press briefing, he expressed an intent to enhance the “scale and depth” of military strikes against Russian positions. "Of course, we will continue," he affirmed, clarifying that the operations focus on military targets rather than civilian areas.

Following the initial offensive on August 6, 2024, Ukrainian forces captured numerous villages within the Kursk territory, a strategic move that President Volodymyr Zelensky described as creating a buffer zone to impede Russian troop movements in crucial eastern Ukraine fronts. However, Ukraine's advances faced challenges as Russia rapidly deployed reinforcements, particularly with the involvement of thousands of North Korean troops.

In recent months, Ukrainian forces have encountered significant setbacks, retreating under a concentrated Russian effort comprising around 70,000 troops and intensified drone assaults. This military response included the influx of approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent last autumn to assist the fight. Reports from Western officials indicate that at least 1,000 North Korean troops stationed in the region were killed within just three months. Additionally, North Korea has announced plans to deploy mine-clearing personnel and construction teams to help restore infrastructure in the Kursk area earlier this month.