**Russian President Admits Ukrainian Soldiers Remain in Kursk Oblast**
In a surprising move, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on April 30 that Ukrainian soldiers are still present in the region of Kursk Oblast, despite claiming victory earlier this month. This admission comes after Moscow declared the successful recapture of the territory from Ukrainian forces.
According to Russian state-controlled media, Putin said during an event in Moscow that remaining Ukrainian forces are asking commanders for evacuation. “They’ve been pushed out of Kursk Oblast, but remnants are still hiding in cracks and basements, asking to be evacuated,” he stated.
This development is a significant blow to Russia’s claims of complete victory in the region. Ukraine has consistently disputed these claims, with President Volodymyr Zelensky confirming on April 27 that active defensive operations are ongoing in the Kursk and neighboring Belgorod oblasts.
**Ukraine Refutes Russian Claims**
The Ukrainian military has also dismissed Russia’s assertions of recapture. In a statement on April 26, Ukraine’s General Staff said that fighting continues in certain areas of Kursk Oblast and that there is no threat of encirclement. The situation remains difficult for Ukrainian forces, but they continue to hold certain positions and carry out tasks as assigned.
The conflict in Kursk Oblast began with a Ukrainian cross-border incursion into Russian territory in August 2024, marking the first major foreign ground offensive into Russia since World War II. Since then, Moscow has launched a counteroffensive, retaking large portions of territory, including the town of Sudzha.
**North Korean Troops Involved**
In an unexpected twist, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov acknowledged on April 26 that North Korean troops have participated in the campaign, praising their “fortitude and heroism.” This revelation has sparked concerns about the involvement of foreign forces in the conflict.
Kyiv and Seoul had previously stated that around 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk Oblast, but Moscow had not openly confirmed this until now. The implications of this admission remain unclear, and it raises questions about the role of these foreign forces in the ongoing conflict.
**International Reactions**
The international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict. European nations have struggled to deploy even 25,000 troops to Ukraine as part of a proposed multinational “deterrence” force, far short of the 64,000-strong target suggested by U.K. defense officials.
Meanwhile, Washington expects Ukraine to sign two additional documents along with the minerals deal, while Kyiv maintains that those texts are not yet finalized. The situation remains fluid and contentious, as world leaders navigate the intricacies of this global crisis.
**Commentary**
This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Russia in its efforts to recapture Kursk Oblast from Ukrainian forces. Despite Moscow’s claims of victory, it appears that remnants of Ukrainian troops remain present in the region, further underscoring the complexity and duration of this conflict.
The involvement of North Korean troops has added another layer of tension and uncertainty to the situation. As the international community continues to grapple with the implications of this revelation, one thing remains clear: the fate of Kursk Oblast and the broader conflict in Ukraine hangs precariously in the balance.
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For more information on this developing story, visit [kyivindependent.com](http://kyivindependent.com/putin-reiterates-recapture-of-kursk-oblast-admits-ukrainian-soldiers-remain/)
