Overview

• President Vladimir Putin declared that Russian forces have fully regained control of the Kursk region, marking the end of Ukraine's largest incursion into Russian territory since World War II.
• Ukrainian officials refute Moscow's claim, asserting that Ukrainian troops remain entrenched in parts of Kursk and continue to engage in combat operations.
• The announcement comes as Russia prepares for Victory Day commemorations, with Putin also declaring a three-day ceasefire to mark the occasion.
• North Korea's deployment of over 14,000 troops played a significant role in aiding Russia's counteroffensive, though both sides report heavy casualties and dispute each other’s figures.
• Fighting persists in adjacent border regions like Sumy and Belgorod, with reports of cross-border raids and shelling complicating prospects for peace talks.