Kursk, Russia — Russian military officials have declared complete control over the western Kursk region, a statement met with dismissal by Ukrainian forces. In a video conference with President Vladimir Putin, General Valery Gerasimov noted that all remaining Ukrainian strongholds have been reclaimed, specifically citing the village of Gornal as the last contested settlement. This development comes eight months after Ukraine’s unexpected advance into the region.
Gerasimov not only reported on territorial gains but also acknowledged the involvement of North Korean troops in the ongoing operations, a move that marks the first public recognition of their participation in the conflict. He lauded their contributions as pivotal in countering Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, President Putin described Ukraine’s efforts to stabilize its presence in Kursk as a “complete failure,” asserting this paves the way for future Russian offensives.
Contrary to Moscow’s claims, Ukraine has insisted that its operations continue within the region. Ukrainian military officials labeled Russian assertions of victory as mere “propaganda tricks,” emphasizing that their troops remain actively engaged. Despite facing significant pressure from roughly 70,000 Russian soldiers and relentless drone attacks, Ukrainian forces have executed strategic withdrawals in recent months.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank, recently indicated ongoing Russian advances near the international border in Kursk Oblast. Reports from April 25 indicated that while Moscow attempts to push Ukrainian forces out of their diminishing positions, skirmishes continue in the neighboring Belgorod region.
In the same meeting where Gerasimov spoke, he made a staggering claim of over 76,000 Ukrainian military casualties in Kursk. However, independent verification of these numbers remains elusive. As Gerasimov reported on the state of the battlefield, Putin reinforced the narrative that Ukraine’s operations have been unsuccessful, intensifying the rhetoric around Russia’s military strategy.
Ukrainian military staff have confirmed that the situation remains challenging but maintain that their forces are still operational in Kursk while pursuing operations in the Belgorod region. Ukraine launched an incursion in August aimed at establishing a buffer zone to prevent Russian troop movements toward its eastern front.
Meanwhile, diplomatic discussions continue at a high level. Following a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speculation surrounding potential peace negotiations has grown. While Trump suggested that both nations are nearing an agreement to end the conflict, he also cast doubt on Russia’s commitment to peace, noting recent attacks on Kyiv that resulted in civilian casualties.
Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine’s stance for a “full and unconditional ceasefire” as a prerequisite for any peace deal. However, he faces pressure from international parties, including Trump, to consider territorial compromises, particularly regarding Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Zelensky has consistently rejected any suggestions of yielding land as part of negotiations.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, both military and diplomatic fronts remain crucial. Ukraine aims to leverage its territorial gains in Kursk in future talks with Russia, amid ongoing tensions that underline a complex struggle for sovereignty and regional stability.