kursk region

By mid-2026, Russia's Ukraine invasion has transformed into a grinding conflict. Ukraine's successful drone warfare and long-range strikes on Russian infrastructure are reshaping the battlefield. Russia, adapting with infiltration tactics and glide bombs, faces a new, industrialized war of attrition. European aid bolsters Ukraine's defense, while diplomatic progress remains stalled.

Drone warfare has reignited between Russia and Ukraine following a brief Orthodox truce, with both nations accusing each other of violations. Kyiv reported repelling 87 out of 98 Russian drones, while Moscow claimed to have downed 33 Ukrainian UAVs.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is on his first official visit to North Korea, aiming to deepen ties between the two nations united by Western sanctions and closeness to Russia. Both countries have supported Moscow's war in Ukraine, with Pyongyang providing troops and weapons. The visit signals solidarity among nations opposing the Western order.

Russia confirmed North Korean soldiers aided in liberating the kursk region from Ukrainian control, a claim made by Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov to Vladimir Putin. Putin hailed the victory and the North Korean soldiers' "heroism." Zelenskyy met with Trump, discussing a ceasefire and lasting peace, hoping for a historic outcome.

Russian forces repelled a Ukrainian attempt to further incursion in the kursk region, halting armoured groups near several settlements. Kyiv stated the operation aimed to protect Ukraine from long-range attacks originating from Kursk. Ukraine's military commander reported control over 74 settlements and 40sqkm gained in the past day.

Ukraine's forces advanced in Russia's kursk region, creating a buffer zone to protect Ukraine's borders. President Zelenskyy announced plans for military commandant offices, and a hotline for residents wishing to evacuate to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia ordered evacuations in response but struggled to dislodge Ukrainian troops, despite President Putin's vows.

Russia declared a federal-level emergency in the kursk region after a substantial incursion from Ukraine, mobilizing reinforcements to counter the attack. This incident followed Ukrainian troops crossing the border, representing Kyiv's largest attack on Russian soil since the war's onset. Concurrently, a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian shopping mall resulted in multiple casualties.

President Putin visited Russia's kursk region, marking his first visit since claiming to have ousted Ukrainian forces last month. This visit follows Ukraine's surprise incursion into Kursk in August 2024, a significant battlefield success. Putin's visit aimed to project control amidst ceasefire proposals and highlighted support for the region, including backing for displaced families and a museum honoring local heroism.

Russia claimed that Ukraine launched a counterattack in the kursk region to halt Russian troops. Ukrainian forces, using tanks and armored vehicles, targeted the village of Berdin. Pro-Kremlin sources noted Ukraine's advance towards Bolshesoldatsky district. Kyiv officials provided sparse details, with a senior official stating, 'Russia is getting what it deserves.'

Russian glide bombs targeted Ukrainian troops near Russia's kursk region border, executed by an Su-34 warplane. Moscow has struggled to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk since their unexpected invasion on August 6. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy affirmed control over 1,300 sq km of Kursk. If sustained, this control shapes future peace negotiations amid Russia's advances in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian military forces have captured 27 Russian troops in the kursk region, including soldiers from various regions of Russia and the occupied Crimean peninsula. Kyiv continues to prioritize the return of its captured personnel, aiming to utilize captured Russian soldiers for future prisoner exchanges and leverage in ending the conflict.

Ukrainian attacks killed three people in the Russian border region of Kursk on Monday, the regional governor said. "A Ukrainian FPV-drone attacked a Lada Largus car... unfortunately as a result of the hit two women were killed," Kursk Governor Alexander Khinstein said in a post on Telegram.

A Moscow court sentenced five Ukrainian soldiers on Wednesday to prison terms of up to 17 years for taking part in Kyiv's incursion into Russia's kursk region, finding them guilty of "terrorism". The court sentenced Oleksandr Vedernikov to 17 years in prison, Oleksiy Pinchuk and Yevgen Khatenko to 16 years and Oleksandr Dzyoma and Denys Popov to 15 years.

Russia's national guard said on Thursday it was fighting off attacks from pro-Ukrainian groups in the region of Kursk, the latest in a recent string of clashes at the border. "Rosgvardia units are involved in repulsing an attack by enemy diversion groups near the village of Tyotkino in the kursk region," the national guard said.

Russian forces have started a significant counter-offensive against Ukrainian troops in the kursk region, reclaiming approximately 10 settlements. This action comes after Ukraine's substantial attack into western Russia last month. Conflicting reports on territorial control persist, with scant information from the Russian defense ministry and no immediate comment from Ukraine.

President Putin recently visited the kursk region, marking his first trip since Russia claimed full control after ousting Ukrainian forces with North Korean support. He met local volunteers displaying pro-invasion symbols and lauded their efforts during this challenging period. Despite Russia's claims, Ukraine insists on maintaining a presence, with ongoing clashes reported.

Ukraine conducted new drone attacks on Russia's kursk region, destroying 12 drones. President Putin criticized the West for supporting Ukraine's incursion which seized 1,000 sq km. Ukraine's commander confirmed continued advances. Over 180,000 people evacuated from Kursk and Belgorod regions amid ongoing battles. Moscow attributed the attacks to Western intervention aimed at stalling Russian operations.