Ukraine Presses Forward in Kursk Border Region as Russia Claims to Hold Ground
Russia is trying to slow the Ukrainian advance near the Kursk border, even as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says his forces are moving forward in several sections, with progress of one to two kilometers in a single day reported in some areas. The Russian Defense Ministry issued a Telegram briefing stating that units from the Northern Severo group, supported by aviation, drones, and artillery, halted several mobile enemy attempts to push into Russian territory aboard armored vehicles.
According to the defense department, Russian forces stopped advances in five border towns and repelled six strikes by three Ukrainian brigades, while also striking enemy reserves in the Sumy region and inflicting more than 270 casualties on troops loyal to Kyiv. The deputy head of the Political-Military Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, General Major Apti Alaudinov, asserted that the bulk of Ukrainian forces are “almost blocked in all directions” and that only isolated sabotage groups remain active in the forests nearby.
In Ukraine, Zelenskiy reported continued progress in the Kursk region, noting advances of one to two kilometers across several sectors since the day began. He cited an assessment from his commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and claimed that more than 100 Russian soldiers had been captured during this period, stating that prisoner exchanges will speed up their return home for Ukrainian service members and civilians alike.
Earlier, Zelenskiy had announced that Ukraine had gained control over 74 settlements in Russia, where inspections and stabilization measures were underway alongside humanitarian decision-making efforts.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian military leadership also indicated that an offensive operation launched the previous week had extended control over roughly 1,000 square kilometers. Irina Vereshchuk, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and minister for temporarily occupied territories, said on Telegram that Ukrainian forces are building a security corridor in areas under Ukrainian control to protect the neighboring Sumy region. Civilian residents in those zones are shielded under international humanitarian law, with Ukraine promising humanitarian actions, evacuation corridors, and invitations to international humanitarian organizations to monitor the situation.
Russia’s Investigative Committee reported that Kursk civilians described “cruelty and inhumane treatment” by Ukrainian troops, recounting sudden evacuations under threat to themselves and their children. Investigators continue reviewing cases and collecting testimonies as part of a criminal inquiry into alleged crimes by Ukrainian formations in the Kursk region.
The Ukrainian front line remains active, with reports of ongoing activity around Sudzha despite Russian officials denying that the city is fully under enemy control. A senior Russian defense official insisted that there are Ukrainian units in Sudzha, while some observers characterized Ukrainian media reports as propaganda meant to influence the public mood amid stabilizing frontline dynamics. Kursk regional leadership indicated that while Ukrainian forces held 28 settlements, the challenge lies in the lack of a clear front line and uncertainty about enemy unit locations.
Observers note that the situation on the ground is fluid, with both sides acknowledging progress in different pockets. Analysts point out that the conflict’s momentum shifts with tactical maneuvers, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian operations shaping local realities in border districts. The broader picture remains one of contested control and fragile stabilization as Kyiv and Moscow continue to assert their respective gains and losses along the contested frontier.
In the zone described as a gray area, Ukrainian authorities have showcased footage of symbolic acts such as raised flags and public ceremonies in territories under their influence, even as Russian officials publicly dispute claims of full territorial control. Military commentators caution that public narratives can diverge from battlefield realities, especially as both sides press to secure supply routes, protect civilians, and justify strategic decisions to their domestic audiences.
Meanwhile, regional authorities emphasize the importance of civilian protection and international oversight. They stress the need for safe corridors, monitored humanitarian access, and transparent reporting to maintain trust among residents and international partners. The evolving dynamic in Kursk and adjacent regions remains a key feature of the broader conflict, highlighting how frontline realities, civilian safety, and political messaging intersect in real time.