Sat Apr 26 12:18:30 UTC 2025: ## Russia Claims Victory in Kursk, But Ukraine Disputes Claim; Trump and Zelenskyy Meet Amidst Ongoing Conflict

**Rome/Moscow, April 26, 2025** – Russia has declared complete victory in the Kursk region, claiming all Ukrainian troops have been expelled. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov relayed this news to President Vladimir Putin. Gerasimov also confirmed the participation of North Korean troops alongside Russian forces in repelling the Ukrainian incursion, a claim previously denied by both countries. Putin lauded the Russian military’s success, stating the Ukrainian incursion had “completely failed.”

However, Ukraine’s General Staff strongly refuted the Russian claims, asserting that their forces continue to resist in the Kursk sector. This conflicting information highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the situation on the ground. The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk began in August 2024, initially capturing a significant amount of territory, but subsequent Russian counter-offensives have gradually eroded Ukrainian gains.

Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Vatican City on the sidelines of the Pope’s funeral. The brief meeting, confirmed by both sides, signaled ongoing efforts towards a potential ceasefire. Trump had previously indicated both sides were “very close to a deal” following a meeting between his envoy and President Putin.

The conflict continues to claim lives. Russian attacks across Ukraine overnight resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to six others, according to local officials. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting a large number of Russian missiles and drones.

The conflicting reports regarding the Kursk region, coupled with the ongoing diplomatic efforts and continued civilian casualties, underscore the complexity and volatility of the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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