Ukrainian forces are still defending a vital 90 sq km of territory in Russia’s Kursk region, according to Commander Oleksandr Syrsky, amidst ongoing military efforts from Moscow to regain control.
Ukraine Maintains Defensive Stance in Captured Kursk Territory
Ukraine Maintains Defensive Stance in Captured Kursk Territory
Ukraine's military commander announces that troops still hold ground in Russia's Kursk region despite claims of recapture from Moscow.
Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, confirmed that Ukrainian forces continue to defend a small but critical area within Russia's Kursk region, which they initially seized nearly a year ago. This surprise incursion, launched on August 6, 2024, enabled Ukraine to capture over 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russian land.
Despite Russia's assertions that they have entirely regained control of the region, Syrsky countered on Sunday by stating that Ukrainian forces are still firmly holding approximately 90 sq km (56 sq miles) of territory in the Kursk area. The commander noted that around 10,000 Russian troops are engaged in efforts to push back Ukrainian positions, but he assured that Ukraine would escalate the "scale and depth" of its military operations against Russia.
"We will continue," Syrsky told reporters, highlighting the targeted nature of Ukraine's military actions. "Given that we are not fighting against the population, we are fighting and destroying purely military targets."
Following the initial incursion, Ukrainian forces succeeded in taking control of dozens of villages in the Kursk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the operation established a significant buffer zone, inhibiting Russian troop movements in crucial eastern Ukraine areas. However, Ukrainian advances faced significant challenges as Russia reinforced its troops in the region.
In recent months, renewed Russian aggression, including the deployment of about 70,000 troops along with heavy drone attacks, has pressured Ukrainian advancements in Kursk. Notably, last autumn, North Korea contributed approximately 11,000 troops to assist Russian forces in repelling the Ukrainian cross-border effort. Reports from Western officials indicated that at least 1,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia had died in a short period due to the ongoing conflict.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, North Korea's government announced earlier this month its intention to send thousands of mine-clearing troops and construction personnel to the Kursk region to aid in restoring infrastructure damaged by warfare.
