Russian Troops Regain Control of Kursk Oblast Territory
Russia has retaken about 64% of the territory in Kursk Oblast that was captured by Ukraine, a senior Russian General Staff officer said. The area was seized by Ukraine in August 2024.
According to Sergei Rudsky, Ukrainian soldiers control around 500 square kilometers (193 square miles) out of 1,268 square kilometers (490 square miles) initially taken by Kyiv. Rudsky claimed that Russian troops are advancing in all directions and that the Ukrainian army is “retreating from their positions.”
The Ukrainian military has not commented on these claims.
Ukraine’s forces have been on the defensive for months but recently made a push, advancing 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in early February.
Russia’s casualties in Kursk Oblast are estimated to be nearly 40,000 personnel, with over 16,000 killed and 909 taken as prisoners of war.
North Korean troops have been deployed to help Russia counter the Ukrainian incursion.
Ukraine is likely using its foothold in Kursk Oblast as leverage for potential peace talks.
