Moscow claims its forces have retaken the Kursk region from Ukrainian control, but Kyiv denies any gains. The move comes as negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on a potential peace deal have grown increasingly tense.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that his forces had liberated the region from Ukrainian forces, helping to bring “the defeat of the neo-Nazi regime closer.” However, Ukraine’s General Staff has disputed this report, saying that “Ukrainian defensive operations in certain areas of Kursk Oblast continue.”
The claim comes as Russia has deployed North Korean troops to the frontlines for the first time. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov had reported to Putin that the operation to liberate the region from Ukrainian neo-Nazis had been completed.
President Donald Trump, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome on Saturday, posted pictures of their conversation, urging an end to the war. Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may need to be “dealt with differently,” implying a potential shift towards economic sanctions or other measures to pressure Russia.
Despite tensions, Ukraine has outlined a list of security guarantees with London and will pursue its alternative plan following discussions with Trump in Rome. However, Putin’s comments have been criticized for using anti-Semitic language, with Zelensky’s Jewish heritage being highlighted by Russian officials.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/putin-kursk-taken-general-admits-deploying-north-korean-troops-2064606