Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that fighting is still ongoing in the Russian border region of Kursk, despite claims from Moscow that the area has been fully secured.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian units are maintaining active defensive operations in both the Kursk and Belgorod regions of Russia. He also noted that intense battles are continuing around Pokrovsk and Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine.

Contradicting Russian Claims Over Kursk

The remarks from Zelensky come a day after the Russian military declared that the Kursk region had been “completely liberated.” According to Russian officials, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that all Ukrainian forces in Kursk had been defeated, with only isolated Ukrainian soldiers reportedly still “hiding.”

However, independent verification of the situation on the ground remains difficult, and Kyiv has dismissed Moscow’s announcements as disinformation.

Ukrainian Gains and Continued Fighting

The Ukrainian Armed Forces had launched a surprise cross-border advance into Russian territory near Kursk in August last year, initially capturing up to 1,300 square kilometers before being forced to retreat under counterattacks.

Ukraine’s goal was to force Russia to redeploy troops from eastern Ukraine, thereby easing the pressure on key fronts such as Donetsk and Luhansk.

On Saturday, Ukraine’s General Staff called Russia’s claims of a full recapture of Kursk a “propaganda move,” confirming that combat operations were ongoing in both Kursk and the neighboring Belgorod region.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict Update

The ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict continues to see shifting front lines, with both sides claiming victories. The situation in Kursk and Belgorod will likely remain fluid, as Ukraine continues its strategy of cross-border operations to stretch Russian defenses.