Sat Apr 26 15:12:33 UTC 2025: ## Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Claim of Kursk Recapture as Propaganda
**KYIV/MOSCOW** – Russia claimed a complete recapture of the Kursk region on Saturday, declaring victory eight months after a Ukrainian counteroffensive. However, Ukraine swiftly dismissed the announcement as a propaganda ploy.
Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, in a video conference with President Vladimir Putin, declared the “liberation” of Gornal, the last village allegedly under Ukrainian control in Kursk. Putin declared the Ukrainian operation a “complete failure.”
Ukraine’s military immediately contradicted this assertion, stating its forces remain active in parts of Kursk, though acknowledging a difficult battlefield situation. A statement from the Ukrainian chief of staff called Russia’s claims “propaganda tricks.”
The conflicting reports highlight the ongoing intense fighting in the region. Russia has reportedly made significant gains in Kursk in recent months. Ukraine has previously used its presence in the region as a bargaining chip in potential peace negotiations.
Gerasimov’s announcement also marked the first official Russian acknowledgement of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Kursk. He praised their “heroism” and contribution to the alleged victory. Intelligence reports suggest over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia. Ukraine claims to have captured and interrogated some of these soldiers.
The developments come amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly discussed a “full and unconditional ceasefire” with former US President Donald Trump, while the Kremlin stated Putin is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions. Russian troops are now massed at the border, raising concerns of increased threats to the Sumy region of Ukraine.
First Piper 