Russia claims to have recaptured key city of Sudzha, 2 other settlements in Kursk region

The Defense Ministry said the operation was carried out by the Sever (North) group of forces which also recaptured two other settlements.

"Units of the Sever group of forces liberated the settlements of Melovoy, Podol, and Sudzha during the offensive," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia aims to regain full control of the Kursk region as soon as possible while prioritizing the safety of its military personnel and civilians.

"But there is no doubt that the Kursk region will be liberated soon enough," he stressed.

Ukraine has yet to comment on Russia’s claims, and independent verification remains difficult due to the ongoing Moscow-Kyiv conflict.