Russia Claims Kursk Recapture Amid Ongoing Fighting
The dispute over Kursk highlights the complexities of the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides seeking to gain leverage in future peace talks. The involvement of North Korean troops and the potential for new sanctions on Russia add to the uncertainty, as the international community continues to seek a resolution to the crisis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces have fully retaken the Kursk Oblast, a region bordering Ukraine, eight months after Ukraine's surprise counteroffensive, but Ukraine's military disputes this claim, stating that fighting continues in parts of the territory.
The Russian Chief of Staff, Valery Gerasimov, made the claim during a video conference with President Putin, citing the liberation of the last Ukrainian-held village, Gornal. However, Ukraine's military chief dismissed the claim as a "propaganda trick," acknowledging that their position in the territory is difficult but denying defeat. The Ukrainian General Staff reported six combat engagements in Kursk on Saturday, with at least one fight still ongoing, and accused Russia of carrying out nearly 150 artillery strikes.
The Kremlin has also praised North Korean troops fighting alongside Russians, calling their heroism "significant assistance" in defeating Ukrainian forces. According to Ukrainian officials and Western intelligence, about 12,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to fight in Russia. The involvement of North Korean troops has been seen as a significant development in the conflict, with Russia seeking to use its control of the region as leverage in future peace talks with Ukraine.
The recapture of Kursk could have significant implications for Ukraine's political clout and military morale, as hopes of using the region as a bargaining chip are now gone. US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, with a White House spokesperson calling the meeting "productive." However, Trump later raised the prospect of applying new sanctions on Russia for launching a missile strike on Kyiv last week.
As the situation in Kursk remains uncertain, local authorities are working to restore "peaceful life" in the region, demining and destroying unexploded ordnance. The conflict in Ukraine continues to be a major concern for the international community, with ongoing fighting and diplomatic efforts to bring about a resolution.