The claims heighten tensions as both nations continue to grapple over control and narrative in the ongoing conflict.
**Russia Claims Full Control Over Kursk Region Amid Denials from Ukraine**
**Russia Claims Full Control Over Kursk Region Amid Denials from Ukraine**
Russia's military asserts it has regained the southern region of Kursk, while Ukraine insists its forces remain active in the area.
The conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating as Russia declares it has regained complete control over the Kursk region, a significant border area. Russian army chief Valery Gerasimov made the announcement during a video conference with President Vladimir Putin, asserting that the last Ukrainian-held village, Gornal, has been retaken.
Despite these claims, Ukraine's military dismissed them as "propaganda tricks," insisting that its forces continue to operate within the vicinity. The ongoing battles have seen Ukrainian troops fending off approximately 70,000 Russian soldiers employing heavy drone assaults as part of their renewed efforts to reclaim territory.
According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have indeed made strides near the international border, attempting to force Ukrainian resistance out of minimal positions in the area. Gerasimov, during the conference, claimed that casualties among Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region have surpassed 76,000—a figure that remains unverified by external sources.
Putin declared Ukraine's operations in the region a thorough failure and highlighted the participation of North Korean troops for the first time, noting their significant help in the ongoing campaign against Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, he indicated that these developments might clear the way for further Russian offensives on different fronts.
As tensions escalate, Ukraine's military acknowledged a "difficult" battlefield situation yet reaffirmed its hold on positions in Kursk while reportedly advancing in the Belgorod region directly to the south. This ongoing conflict stems from Ukraine's strategic incursion last August, initiated to create a buffer zone against Russian military movements affecting the eastern front.
Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on possible negotiations for peace involving Russia and Ukraine, suggesting they were "very close to a deal." However, he also implied skepticism over Putin's intentions, especially given recent lethal strikes in Kyiv. During a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussions revolved around achieving a "full and unconditional ceasefire," although Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to secure peace.
With approximately 20% of Ukraine's internationally recognized territory currently under Russian control, the situation remains precarious as both nations seek to leverage their assertions for future negotiations.
Despite these claims, Ukraine's military dismissed them as "propaganda tricks," insisting that its forces continue to operate within the vicinity. The ongoing battles have seen Ukrainian troops fending off approximately 70,000 Russian soldiers employing heavy drone assaults as part of their renewed efforts to reclaim territory.
According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War, Russian forces have indeed made strides near the international border, attempting to force Ukrainian resistance out of minimal positions in the area. Gerasimov, during the conference, claimed that casualties among Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region have surpassed 76,000—a figure that remains unverified by external sources.
Putin declared Ukraine's operations in the region a thorough failure and highlighted the participation of North Korean troops for the first time, noting their significant help in the ongoing campaign against Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, he indicated that these developments might clear the way for further Russian offensives on different fronts.
As tensions escalate, Ukraine's military acknowledged a "difficult" battlefield situation yet reaffirmed its hold on positions in Kursk while reportedly advancing in the Belgorod region directly to the south. This ongoing conflict stems from Ukraine's strategic incursion last August, initiated to create a buffer zone against Russian military movements affecting the eastern front.
Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on possible negotiations for peace involving Russia and Ukraine, suggesting they were "very close to a deal." However, he also implied skepticism over Putin's intentions, especially given recent lethal strikes in Kyiv. During a subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussions revolved around achieving a "full and unconditional ceasefire," although Zelensky has consistently rejected any territorial concessions to secure peace.
With approximately 20% of Ukraine's internationally recognized territory currently under Russian control, the situation remains precarious as both nations seek to leverage their assertions for future negotiations.
