Zelenskyy Disputes Putin: ‘Ukrainian Troops Continue Fighting in Kursk’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has contradicted claims by Russia that its forces had regained control of the Kursk region, sparking a strong reaction from Kyiv. The dispute began when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Saturday (April 26, 2025) that Kursk was back under Russian military control, following a report from the head of the Russian Armed Forces, General Valery Gerasimov. In his statement, Putin declared that the last settlement in the Kursk area, Goronal village, had been liberated from Ukrainian forces and criticized the Kyiv regime for failing entirely. However, hours later, Zelenskyy labeled these statements as lies and propaganda. Today (April 27, 2025), Zelenskyy took to social media to confirm that Ukrainian troops are still actively engaged in operations within the Russian Kursk region. He emphasized the challenging situation at the front line, noting over 70 Russian attacks across all fronts since morning. Significant battles continue in Pokrovske, Kramatorsk, Lyman, and Kursk, with Ukrainian forces maintaining defensive actions in the Russian regions of Kursk and Belgorod. This development undermines Putin’s prior assertions. The conflict underscores the strategic importance of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces initially advanced into western Russia in August 2024, capturing hundreds of square kilometers. Despite recent withdrawals, the region remains pivotal for potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.