Tensions escalate as Ukraine continues to contest control in the Kursk region despite Russian assertions of victory.
**Russia Claims Full Control of Kursk Amid Ongoing Ukrainian Resistance**
**Russia Claims Full Control of Kursk Amid Ongoing Ukrainian Resistance**
Russia asserts its military dominance over Kursk, while Ukraine refutes claims and maintains its operations.
In a significant development, Russia's army chief claimed that it has regained full control of the Kursk region from Ukraine, a statement made during a video conference with President Vladimir Putin. This announcement follows the eight-month period since Ukrainian forces conducted a surprise incursion into this border region. Gerasimov stated that Russian troops had successfully liberated the final settlement in the area, specifically the village of Gornal. President Putin characterized Ukraine's military efforts as a total failure, suggesting that this would facilitate further advances by Russian forces elsewhere.
In contrast, Ukrainian officials promptly denied these claims, describing them as mere "propaganda tricks." They asserted that Ukrainian troops are still actively engaged in operations within Kursk, asserting their positions despite dwindling strength against the backdrop of approximately 70,000 Russian troops and relentless drone attacks. The Ukrainian military's communication emphasized the ongoing difficulties on the battlefield, aiming to debunk Russia’s proclaimed dominance.
The offensive into Kursk was initiated last August, as part of Ukraine's strategy to create a buffer zone along its eastern frontier, hoping to hinder Russian deployment capabilities. This assertion from Russia comes on the heels of comments from US President Donald Trump, suggesting that both nations were nearing a potential agreement to end the conflict, following dialogues with higher-level officials. During this time, Trump emphasized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the necessity of considering territorial concessions in any prospective settlement, sparking unease within Ukraine regarding its territorial integrity, especially concerning the Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014.
As the situation in Kursk develops, Russia claims its military presence now extends to the border with Ukraine’s Sumy region, further complicating the dynamics of this ongoing conflict.
In contrast, Ukrainian officials promptly denied these claims, describing them as mere "propaganda tricks." They asserted that Ukrainian troops are still actively engaged in operations within Kursk, asserting their positions despite dwindling strength against the backdrop of approximately 70,000 Russian troops and relentless drone attacks. The Ukrainian military's communication emphasized the ongoing difficulties on the battlefield, aiming to debunk Russia’s proclaimed dominance.
The offensive into Kursk was initiated last August, as part of Ukraine's strategy to create a buffer zone along its eastern frontier, hoping to hinder Russian deployment capabilities. This assertion from Russia comes on the heels of comments from US President Donald Trump, suggesting that both nations were nearing a potential agreement to end the conflict, following dialogues with higher-level officials. During this time, Trump emphasized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the necessity of considering territorial concessions in any prospective settlement, sparking unease within Ukraine regarding its territorial integrity, especially concerning the Crimea annexed by Russia in 2014.
As the situation in Kursk develops, Russia claims its military presence now extends to the border with Ukraine’s Sumy region, further complicating the dynamics of this ongoing conflict.
