Russia claims full control of Kursk, recapturing territory lost to Ukraine. Ukraine denies the claim, with ongoing fighting. Moscow’s victory would weaken Kyiv’s leverage in peace negotiations.

The Russian army has fully liberated the border Kursk region from Ukrainian control with the help of North Korean soldiers, Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov said on Saturday, admitting their participation in the conflict for the first time.

Ukrainian officials disputed the claim, saying their forces continue to hold back Russian troops in the Kursk sector.