Military analysts and soldiers have reported that Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from most of Russia’s Kursk region as their campaign to seize and occupy Russian territory is coming to an end in the face of Moscow’s counterattacks.
Originally, Ukrainian forces controlled about 500 square miles of Russian territory but now are only holding onto a narrow strip along the border, covering around 30 square miles, according to military analyst Pasi Paroinen.
Mr. Paroinen stated, “The end of the battle is coming.”
Although the exact amount of Russian territory still under Ukrainian control is unconfirmed, soldiers have reported intense fighting. Ukrainian troops have retreated from several villages in the Kursk region and the town of Sudzha.
The Ukrainian military command revealed that troops have moved to more defensible positions inside Russia along the border to better withstand Russian forces. A map was released showing the remaining area controlled by Ukraine in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian soldiers acknowledge uncertainty about how long they can maintain their position in the region.
The ongoing battles in Kursk now focus on securing defensive positions to prevent Russian forces from advancing into the Sumy region of Ukraine and opening up a new front.
A platoon commander known as Boroda noted that Ukrainian positions have moved closer to the border but are still holding along the Kursk front.
Military experts explained that the quick retreat from the Kursk region followed months of Russian attacks that undermined Ukraine’s foothold and supply routes, ultimately forcing a withdrawal.
Russian forces, supported by North Korean troops, successfully closed in on Ukrainian supply routes into Sudzha, compelling the retreat.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have retaken Sudzha and two villages outside the town, marking further advancements.
Contrary to claims by Putin and Trump, analysts state that the Ukrainian retreat in Kursk was organized and did not result in encirclement of troops.
Kyiv had hoped to use control over Russian land in negotiations to end the war, supporting a proposed cease-fire backed by the U.S. The Kremlin’s response to the cease-fire proposal remains uncertain.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov discussed “next steps” in relation to the cease-fire proposal.
Details of the implementation of agreements from previous U.S.-Russia talks were also mentioned in recent discussions between Lavrov and Rubio.
Reporting by Nataliya Vasilyeva.