Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that Ukraine’s army was still engaged in fighting in Russia’s Kursk region despite Moscow’s claim of “liberating” the western region. The situation in Kursk remains challenging, with ongoing military operations, as confirmed by Zelensky in his address.
Earlier on Sunday, Russia announced the capture of Gornal, the last settlement under Ukrainian control in the border Kursk region. However, Ukraine’s army disputed this claim, referring to it as “propaganda tricks.” Reports from Russian military bloggers and a local army commander in Kursk also indicated that fighting was still ongoing in the region.
Zelensky called for increased pressure on Russia to end the war and create opportunities for genuine diplomacy. He recently discussed a potential ceasefire with US President Donald Trump, who expressed skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to end the conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of the upcoming week in negotiations, stating that significant progress is needed to reach a deal to halt the fighting. Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius cautioned against Ukraine agreeing to extensive territorial concessions proposed in Trump’s deal.
Russia’s Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov acknowledged the participation of North Korean soldiers in the conflict for the first time when announcing the recapture of Kursk. Moscow’s efforts to regain control of the region have intensified, with plans to advance into other Ukrainian territories claimed in 2022.
Following the recapture of Kursk, Russia aims to establish a “buffer zone” in Ukraine’s Sumy region. Moscow currently holds approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Published – April 28, 2025 04:10 am IST
