Russia Claims Full Control of Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict with Ukraine

Despite Russia's assertions, Ukraine maintains operations and denies losses in the ongoing territorial dispute.

In a recent high-profile video meeting, Russia’s military chief, Valery Gerasimov, announced that the country has regained full control of the Kursk region from Ukraine. This claim, however, was swiftly dismissed by Ukrainian officials who contend that their troops are still active in the area. Gerasimov claimed that after months of efforts, the last Ukrainian-held village, Gornal, has been recaptured, highlighting Russian military success amid ongoing conflict.

During the session with President Vladimir Putin, Gerasimov lauded the role of North Korean troops, indicating their involvement in the conflict for the first time, and he insisted that Ukrainian forces have suffered significant casualties—over 76,000 killed or wounded, a claim that lacks independent verification. Putin echoed this sentiment, declaring Ukraine's endeavors in Kursk a complete failure and outlining potential further advances for Russian forces in the future.

Despite Russian assertions of victory in Kursk, Ukraine's military reports a difficult battlefield situation, maintaining that their troops continue to hold strategic positions. Ukrainian forces have recently been under heavy pressure from approximately 70,000 Russian soldiers and relentless drone assaults. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War reported Russian advancements toward the international border, attempting to push the remaining Ukrainian troops out of any foothold they may have.

Simultaneously, Kyiv launched a counter-offensive into the Belgorod region last August, aiming to create a buffer zone to mitigate the threat posed by Russian deployments on the eastern front. As political dynamics shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has commented on the potential for a peace deal, although he expressed skepticism regarding Putin's willingness to end hostilities, particularly in light of recent attacks on Kyiv that resulted in numerous casualties.

Zelensky, engaged in talks with Trump, emphasized the necessity of achieving a "full and unconditional ceasefire" before any concessions are made. While Ukraine contemplates its negotiating position, the ongoing conflict has left a considerable portion of its territory under Russian control, escalating tensions as both sides navigate the complex path ahead.