Overview

• The Ukrainian military has withdrawn nearly all troops and heavy equipment from the Kursk region, retaining control of only a few villages near the border.
• The operation, launched in August 2024, initially secured 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory but was reversed by a Russian counteroffensive supported by North Korean forces.
• Analysts view the withdrawal as a strategic setback for Ukraine, potentially weakening its position in upcoming peace negotiations.
• This marks the first foreign military incursion into Russian territory since World War II, underscoring its symbolic significance.
• Reports indicate a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine's Sumy region, raising concerns about potential future offensives.