**Russian Troops Suffer Heavy Losses in Kursk Oblast**
For over six months, Russian forces have been fighting in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has lost nearly 40,000 personnel, with over 16,000 killed. The fighting began in August 2024 and has resulted in significant losses for Russia.
**Ukrainian Forces Gain Ground**
Ukrainian forces have captured 909 Russian soldiers during the operation, which will help to bring back Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian prisons. The General Staff said that the Kursk offensive is an example of successful actions by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
**Negotiation Leverage**
The fighting in Kursk Oblast has weakened Russia’s positions on other frontlines. Ukraine aims to use its presence in the area as leverage in potential negotiations with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the operation may become an “important part” of future negotiations.
**North Korean Troops Withdrawn**
The General Staff also reported that North Korean troops, who were deployed to Kursk Oblast, have not been engaged in combat since mid-January. Ukraine is trying to establish why they withdrew. Moscow was forced to seek military assistance from North Korea, which deployed around 12,000 troops.
**Russia Loses Significant Resources**
One of the three North Korean brigades was “effectively destroyed,” while the other two lost combat capability. This has forced Russia to transfer significant resources to Kursk Oblast, weakening their positions on other frontlines.
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