**Ukraine Dismisses Russian Claims of Full Control Over Kursk Oblast, Says Fighting Ongoing**
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces has rejected Russian claims that fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast has ended. The Ukrainian military insists that operations by the Ukrainian forces in the border region are still ongoing.
In a statement released on May 21, the General Staff said that Russian statements about the alleged end of combat operations do not reflect the actual situation. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk Oblast earlier on May 21, marking his first known visit to the region since Moscow declared on April 26 that it had completed a military operation to liberate the territory from Ukrainian incursions.
Despite Moscow’s claims of victory in the region, Ukraine continues to carry out missions across the border. The military said that while conditions remain difficult, Ukrainian troops are holding their positions and inflicting losses on Russian troops. The statement also mentioned that active operations continue in specified areas of Russia’s neighboring Belgorod Oblast.
**Russia’s Claims Rejected**
Since launching its operation in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 63,402 troops, including 25,625 killed, and that 971 Russian soldiers have been captured. Ukrainian forces also report destroying or damaging 5,664 pieces of Russian military equipment.
The General Staff’s statement contradicts Moscow’s declaration of victory in the region, which was announced on April 26. The operation aimed to disrupt a planned Russian offensive on the neighboring Sumy Oblast and draw Russian forces away from the embattled Donetsk Oblast.
**North Korean Troops Also Involved**
Reinforced by North Korean troops, Russia launched a push to recapture the region in early March. However, Ukraine was forced to pull back from much of the initially taken territory, including the town of Sudzha.
According to the Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState, Ukrainian forces still hold limited positions in the villages of Gornal and Oleshnya in Kursk Oblast.
**Putin’s Admission**
Despite Moscow’s claims of victory, Putin acknowledged on April 30 that “remnants” of Ukrainian forces are still in Kursk Oblast. This admission contradicts Russia’s previous statements about having complete control over the region.
The ongoing fighting in Kursk Oblast highlights the complexities and challenges of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While Moscow claims to have retaken control, the General Staff’s statement emphasizes that Ukrainian forces remain committed to defending their territory and inflicting losses on Russian troops.
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