Overview

• Russian forces, supported by North Korean troops, have recaptured the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region, once a key Ukrainian-held territory in Russia.
• Ukraine's military has confirmed a tactical retreat to preserve soldiers' lives, with officials emphasizing a shift to more defensible positions along the border.
• The loss of Sudzha significantly reduces Ukraine's leverage in potential ceasefire negotiations, as it was one of the few populated areas Kyiv controlled in Russia.
• The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk in August aimed to stretch Russian forces and gain a bargaining chip but has faced growing criticism for overextending resources.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the complete liberation of Kursk, while U.S.-backed ceasefire talks are underway in Moscow.