Ukraine's top military commander says its forces are still defending a small area of territory inside Russia that it captured almost a year ago. In August 2024 Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region, capturing more than 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russian land. Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said 10,000 Russian troops are attempting to drive his forces back. While Russia has repeatedly insisted it had recaptured the entire region, Syrsky said on Sunday that Ukraine is still holding around 90 sq km (56 sq miles) in the Kursk region. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Syrsky vowed to increase the "scale and depth" of strikes on Russia. "Of course, we will continue," he said. "Given that we are not fighting against the population, we are fighting and destroying purely military targets." Ukraine seized dozens of villages in the Kursk region shortly after its incursion started on 6 August 2024. President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Kursk operation established a buffer zone which prevented Russian forces from being deployed in key areas of the front in eastern Ukraine. But, Kyiv's advances stalled after Russia rushed reinforcements to the area - including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea. In recent monthsUkrainian forces have been in retreat in Kursk after facing 70,000 Russian troopsand heavy drone attacks as part of Moscow's drive to regain the territory. Last autumn, North Korea sent an estimated 11,000 troops to Kursk to fight off the Ukrainian cross-border incursion. Western officials told the BBC in January that at least 1,000 North Korean troops in Russia had been killed in just three months. Earlier this month, the government in Pyongyang promised to send thousands of mine-clearing troops and builders to Russia's Kursk region to restore damaged infrastructure.
Ukraine still holds ground inside Russia's Kursk, commander says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ukrainian Forces Maintain Presence in Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Conflict"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ukraine's military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky, has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are still defending a small territory within Russia's Kursk region, a strategic area that was captured during an incursion in August 2024. This operation led to the seizure of over 1,000 square kilometers of Russian land, but the situation has since evolved. Despite Russia's claims of regaining control over the entire region, Syrsky asserted that approximately 90 square kilometers remain under Ukrainian control. He noted that around 10,000 Russian troops are currently attempting to push Ukrainian forces back, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict. In response to these challenges, Syrsky has pledged to enhance military operations against Russian forces, emphasizing that Ukraine is targeting military objectives rather than civilian infrastructure.
The incursion into Kursk not only aimed to secure a buffer zone for Ukraine but also to disrupt Russian military deployments in critical areas of eastern Ukraine. However, Ukrainian advances have faced significant setbacks, particularly after Russia deployed reinforcements, including troops from North Korea, in an effort to reclaim lost territory. The mounting pressure from approximately 70,000 Russian troops, coupled with heavy drone assaults, has forced Ukrainian forces into a retreat in recent months. The involvement of North Korean troops, estimated to be around 11,000, has also been significant, contributing to the defense against the Ukrainian incursion. Reports indicated that at least 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the conflict since their arrival. Furthermore, North Korea has committed to sending additional mine-clearing units and construction personnel to aid in restoring the infrastructure in the Kursk region, reflecting the ongoing complexities and international dimensions of the conflict.
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