Sat Mar 15 14:06:03 UTC 2025: ## Russia Reclaims Territory in Kursk, Zelensky Denies Encirclement of Ukrainian Troops
**Kyiv, March 15, 2025** – Russia has made significant gains in the Kursk region, retaking territory seized by Ukraine last summer, prompting a denial from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that his troops are encircled. Moscow claims to have recaptured two villages, Zaoleshenka and Rubanshchina, and released images of the heavily damaged town of Sudzha, which was occupied by Ukrainian forces for months. The Russian Defence Ministry stated that 275 civilians have been evacuated from the recently retaken areas.
Zelensky contradicted earlier claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukrainian troops were completely surrounded, stating on social media that his forces continue to resist Russian and North Korean troops in the region. He acknowledged the difficult situation but insisted there is no encirclement. The Kremlin, however, celebrated the military successes in Kursk, highlighting the recapture of significant territory.
The situation in Kursk complicates ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. A virtual summit hosted by the U.K. aimed at protecting any potential ceasefire, but Zelensky warned of Moscow’s intentions to prolong the war and accused them of amassing troops near the Sumy region, suggesting a possible future attack. While the U.S. proposed an immediate ceasefire, Putin outlined conditions, raising doubts about its immediate implementation.
Elsewhere, Zelensky reported that the situation around the eastern city of Pokrovsk has stabilized. However, the number of wounded from a Russian strike on Kryvy Rig, Zelensky’s hometown, has risen to 14, including a two-year-old and a 15-year-old. Russia also reported responding to a Ukrainian drone strike on an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, deploying firefighters to extinguish the resulting blaze. The conflict continues, with both sides reporting battlefield developments and escalating tensions.
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