Ongoing Ukrainian Operations in Kursk Oblast Defy Russian Claims

On May 21, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces refuted Russian assertions claiming that combat operations in Russia's Kursk Oblast have concluded. The Ukrainian military emphasized that their activities in the border region continue unabated. Ukraine Denies Russian Claims In a statement, the General Staff stated, "The statements by representatives of (Russia) about the alleged end of combat operations in Kursk Oblast do not reflect the actual situation" here. Putin's Visit to Kursk Oblast Earlier on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin was reported to have visited Kursk Oblast, marking his first visit since Moscow declared the completion of operations aimed at "liberating" the area from Ukrainian forces on April 26 here. Ongoing Military Operations According to the Ukrainian military, operations continue across the border. Despite challenging conditions, Ukrainian forces are reportedly maintaining their positions and causing significant losses to Russian troops. Casualty Figures and Equipment Losses Since the initiation of operations in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine has reported that Russia has suffered 63,402 troop losses, including 25,625 killed, along with 971 captured soldiers. Furthermore, Ukrainian forces claim to have destroyed or damaged 5,664 pieces of Russian military equipment. Regions Under Active Combat Active military actions are also reported in nearby Belgorod Oblast, as per the statement from the General Staff. Background on the Incursion Ukraine's cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast began in August 2024, representing the first major invasion of Russian territory by foreign military forces since World War II. The aim was to disrupt Russian operations targeting the nearby Sumy Oblast and to redirect Russian troops away from the conflict in Donetsk Oblast. Russian Response and Territorial Control In early March, backed by North Korean troops, Russia intensified efforts to reclaim territory in Kursk Oblast, resulting in Ukrainian forces having to retreat from many areas, including the town of Sudzha. Current Status of Ukrainian Forces As per reports from Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState, Ukrainian forces still control limited positions in villages such as Gornal and Oleshnya within Kursk Oblast. Putin's Acknowledgment of Ukrainian Presence Despite Russia's proclamation of victory in Kursk Oblast, President Putin himself recognized on April 30 that "remnants" of Ukrainian forces remain active in the area here. <p class="mb-4 text-lg