Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, reports that Ukrainian forces retain control over a small area within Russia, near Kursk, following a significant incursion nearly a year ago. In August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive into the Kursk region, seizing over 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles).
Despite Russian claims of complete recapture, Syrsky confirmed on Sunday that Ukrainian troops still hold approximately 90 sq km (56 sq miles) in the region, facing an estimated 10,000 Russian soldiers attempting to dislodge them.
Syrsky pledged to intensify strikes on Russian military targets within the occupied territory, emphasizing that these actions are solely focused on military objectives and not civilian populations. Following the initial incursion on August 6th, 2024, Ukraine secured numerous villages in the Kursk region.
President Zelensky framed the operation as establishing a strategic buffer zone, hindering Russian troop deployments in crucial eastern Ukrainian frontline areas. However, Kyiv’s advance stalled following a substantial influx of Russian reinforcements, including a notable deployment of North Korean troops.
Recent months have witnessed a Ukrainian retreat in the face of approximately 70,000 Russian troops and intensified drone attacks, as Moscow pushes for territorial reclamation. Reports indicate significant casualties among the estimated 11,000 North Korean troops deployed to Kursk last autumn, with Western officials citing at least 1,000 deaths within three months.
Earlier this month, North Korea pledged additional support, promising to send thousands of personnel specialized in mine clearance and infrastructure restoration to the region.
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