Ukraine still holds in Russia Kursk, says the commander

The senior military commander of Ukraine says that his powers still defend a small area of ​​territory within Russia, which he has taken over almost a year ago.

In August 2024, Ukraine began a surprising invasion of the Kursk area, winning more than 1000 square kilometers (386 square meters) of Russian land.

The chief commander of Ukraine Olexander Sirsky said that 10,000 Russian troops were trying to bring their powers back.

While Russia repeatedly insisted that it had seized the whole region, Syrian said on Sunday that Ukraine still holds about 90 square km (56 square meters) in the Kursk area.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Sirski promised to increase the “scale and depth” of Russia’s strikes.

“Of course, we will continue,” he said.

“Given that we are not fighting the population, we are fighting and destroying purely military goals.”

Ukraine seized dozens of villages in the Kursk area shortly after its invasion began on August 6, 2024.

President Volodimir Zelenski said the Kursk operation created a buffer zone that prevented Russian forces from being located in key areas of the front in Eastern Ukraine.

But Kiev’s progress stopped after Russia rushed to the area – including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea.

In the last months The Ukrainian forces withdraw to Kursk after faced with 70,000 Russian troops And severe drones attacks as part of Moscow’s desire to regain the territory.

Last fall, North Korea sent about 11,000 soldiers to Kursk to fight the Ukrainian cross -border invasion.

Western officials told the BBC in January that at least 1000 North Korean troops in Russia were killed in only three months.

Earlier this month, the Pyongyang government promised to send thousands of troops and builders to the Kursk area to restore damaged infrastructure.