Russia Announces Further Advances in Kursk as Ukraine Suggests Possible Retreat | Russia-Ukraine Conflict Updates

Putin praises progress in Kursk during a rare visit, vowing to fully liberate the region from Ukrainian forces soon.

Ukrainian troops seem to be on the verge of losing their hard-fought foothold in Russia’s Kursk region as Moscow reports further advances, and military bloggers on both sides indicate that Kyiv’s forces are retreating.

Ukraine delivered one of the biggest surprises of the war on August 6 last year by crossing the border and capturing territory inside Russia, boosting morale among its citizens and gaining a potential bargaining chip.

However, after holding onto a gradually shrinking area for more than seven months, Ukraine’s position has deteriorated significantly in the past week.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday the capture of five more villages, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “The dynamics are good.”

A video published by Russian bloggers and state media showed troops holding a Russian tricolour flag in the center of Sudzha, a town near the Ukrainian border that serves as a key supply route for Kyiv’s forces.

During his first visit to the region since Ukraine’s unexpected counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in army camouflage, celebrated recent gains and encouraged his troops.

“I am counting on the fact that all the combat tasks facing our units will be fulfilled, and the territory of the Kursk region will soon be completely liberated from the enemy,” he said.

Minutes after footage of Putin’s remarks aired on Russian state TV, Ukraine’s army commander hinted that his troops were pulling back to minimize losses.

“In the most difficult situations, my priority has been and remains saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. To this end, the units of the defence forces, if necessary, maneuver to more favorable positions,” Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskii said in a Facebook post, using language typically associated with a withdrawal.

However, he added: “Despite the increased pressure from the Russian/North Korean army, we will hold the defence in the Kursk region as long as it is appropriate and necessary.”

Syrskii also noted that active fighting continued on the outskirts and surrounding areas of Sudzha.

The Russian advance on the battlefield comes as the United States pushes for Russia to agree “unconditionally” to a complete 30-day ceasefire – a plan endorsed by Kyiv.

The Kremlin stated it is reviewing the US ceasefire proposal, though Putin has previously expressed disinterest in a temporary truce, preferring a full resolution instead.