Russia has announced that it has regained full control of the Kursk region, a claim that Ukraine has firmly denied. The assertion came from Valery Gerasimov, the chief of staff of Russia’s military, during a video call with President Vladimir Putin. Gerasimov stated that Russian forces had successfully taken back the area, including the village of Gornal, which they claim was the last settlement held by Ukrainian troops.
This announcement follows months of conflict in the region, marked by a surprise incursion by Ukrainian forces last August. Ukraine had aimed to create a buffer zone to limit Russian military movements near its eastern front. Despite Russia’s claims, Ukrainian officials insist that their troops are still active in Kursk and are conducting operations, labeling the Russian statements as "propaganda tricks."
The situation in Kursk has been challenging for Ukraine, which faces approximately 70,000 Russian soldiers and ongoing drone attacks. The Ukrainian military acknowledged that the battlefield conditions are tough but reiterated that they are still holding positions in the area. They also mentioned that their operations continue in the neighboring Belgorod region.
In the backdrop of this military struggle, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently remarked that Russia and Ukraine might be close to a peace deal. This statement followed discussions between his envoy and Putin. Trump suggested that negotiations could involve some territorial concessions from Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
As the conflict continues, Ukraine’s military had hoped to use the land it had previously seized in Kursk as leverage in future peace talks. The ongoing war has seen Russia control about 20% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory since its full-scale invasion began in 2022.