Ukraine marks six months since Kursk incursion while Russia claims the move is suicidal
Ukraine has maintained a significant military presence inside Russia's border for six months, as the country observes the half-year anniversary of its incursion into the Kursk region.
To repel Ukrainian forces, Russia has reportedly deployed North Korean soldiers and sent one of its top generals to spearhead a counteroffensive.
"With our active operations on Russian soil, we have brought the war home to Russia," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The operation was launched as a way to distract Moscow and divert Russian troops away from key areas on the frontline in Ukraine.
"That is where they must feel what war truly means – and they do. I thank every Ukrainian warrior and every unit involved in the Kursk operation," the Ukrainian leader added.
"They have shown the world that, even with limited resources, we can act decisively, unexpectedly and effectively.
"We continue to expose Russia's bluff for what it is."
Mr Zelensky also revealed that Ukrainian forces had taken hundreds of enemy soldiers prisoner, including North Korean troops, who are now receiving medical treatment for severe injuries.
"Their presence is undeniable proof that Putin has dragged yet another nation – North Korea – into this war," Mr Zelensky warned.
"This is a growing threat, not only for us but for all of East Asia."
The surprise Ukrainian incursion into Kursk on 6 August 2024 caught the world's attention as Kyiv quickly established control over key areas.
Despite numerous Russian counterattacks, Ukraine has managed to maintain its foothold.
Soldiers who fought during the battle for Kursk even remarked that they preferred fighting inside Russia over their own country because any damage inflicted during the conflict would be against Russian towns and cities, not their own.
According to the UK MOD's latest intelligence update, Russia has been making minor advances in Kursk while North Korean units which had been deployed in the Oblast have temporarily withdrawn from the area due to suffering heavy losses.
In response, Russia's defence ministry claimed Ukrainian operations in Kursk were "suicidal" and reported significant Ukrainian losses during recent engagements.
"Suicidal attacks launched by Ukrainian armed formations in the direction of Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Ulanok in the Kursk region were successfully repelled," it said.
"The enemy suffered significant losses.
"During counteroffensive operations, Ukrainian forces lost more than 200 soldiers and around 50 pieces of military equipment, including eight tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier and three counter-obstacle vehicles."
The Kursk incursion has become one of the most high-stakes phases of the ongoing war, signalling a dangerous escalation as both sides continue to push the limits of the conflict.
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