Russia's military has publicly announced its total control over the Kursk region, asserting a significant military gain eight months after Ukraine's surprise offensive into the territory. General Valery Gerasimov, in a conference with President Vladimir Putin, claimed that the final Ukrainian-held village, Gornal, has been liberated.
Gerasimov credited North Korean forces for their essential support during the campaign, marking the first acknowledgment from Russia of foreign military involvement in the region. Putin characterized Ukraine's military operations in Kursk as a failure, while the Ukrainian military rebuffed these assertions as mere propaganda, stating they continue operations and are maintaining positions in the area despite facing overwhelming Russian troop numbers.
Recent reports from the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War indicated that Russian troops have been advancing further into the Kursk region, leading to intensifying hostilities as Ukrainian forces contend with substantial drone attacks.
In a parallel statement, the Ukrainian general staff highlighted ongoing challenges on the battlefield while emphasizing their commitment to holding their ground in Kursk and extending operations into the neighboring Belgorod region, which is also under Russian control.
Additionally, political dynamics surrounding the conflict have shifted, especially following a recent meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The encounter came after Trump's envoy's discussions with Putin, aiming to broker a potential peace deal. However, Trump remained skeptical about Russia's willingness to reach an agreement post discussions, as he emphasized the need for a full ceasefire before any negotiation could take place.
The political landscape is further complicated by pressures on Ukraine to consider territorial concessions that could include the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014. Zelensky, however, fiercely opposes any such compromises, as the conflict continues to unfold with significant implications for regional stability and global geopolitical dynamics.
