Ukraine's military commander confirms that despite Russian claims of full reclamation, Ukrainian forces continue to defend 90 sq km of captured territory in Kursk, backed by strategic operations and ongoing support from allies.
Ukraine Holds Strategic Position in Russia's Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine Holds Strategic Position in Russia's Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian forces maintain control of a small territory in Kursk, despite heavy Russian efforts to reclaim the area.
Ukrainian military leadership has reaffirmed their position within a small yet strategically significant area of Russian territory in the Kursk region. Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced that, despite Russia's aggressive push-back involving around 10,000 troops, Ukrainian forces are firmly holding on to approximately 90 sq km (35 sq miles) of land captured in August 2024.
The surprise incursion, which took place on August 6, saw Ukraine initially snatch control of over 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russian territory. Syrsky stated that the Ukrainian military remains committed to intensifying their operations against Russian forces, emphasizing that their actions focus strictly on military targets rather than civilian populations.
Following the incursion, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the strategic importance of this operation, noting that it successfully created a buffer zone that thwarts Russian troop movements in crucial areas of eastern Ukraine. However, advances soon encountered stiff resistance as Russia rapidly reinforced their presence in the region, enlisting significant troop support from North Korea.
Recent months have seen Ukrainian forces face intense pressure, with reports of up to 70,000 Russian soldiers and relentless drone assaults attempting to reclaim lost ground. Reinforcements from North Korea bolstered Russian troops significantly, including the deployment of approximately 11,000 North Korean troops to the Kursk conflict zone last autumn.
Despite facing severe losses, including over 1,000 North Korean troops reportedly killed in just three months, the Pyongyang regime has recently committed to sending more personnel, including mine-clearing teams and builders, to assist in the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in Kursk.
As the battle continues, Ukraine remains determined to maintain its foothold in the contested territory, showcasing resilience in the face of overwhelming odds and a dynamic battlefield landscape.
