Kyiv, Apr 28 (V7N)- Russia’s military has claimed full control over the Kursk region, a major development in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Russian Army Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov made the announcement during a video conference with President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian officials have swiftly rejected the claim, calling it propaganda.

Gerasimov stated that Russian forces had "liberated Gornal," the last village in Kursk allegedly under Ukrainian control. Speaking during the conference, President Putin declared, "Kiev's operation has completely failed," adding that efforts are underway to identify Ukrainian personnel allegedly hiding in Russian-held areas.

Kursk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine, became a focal point of the conflict after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive eight months ago, briefly seizing territory in the area. Holding Kursk was seen by Kyiv as a strategic advantage for future peace negotiations.

In a notable revelation, Gerasimov also praised North Korean troops for assisting Russia on the battlefield — marking Moscow’s first official acknowledgment of Pyongyang's military support in the war. The presence of North Korean forces, however, has not been independently verified.

Responding to Russia’s claims, Ukraine’s military denied losing full control over Kursk. In a statement, the Ukrainian Chief of Staff said that Ukrainian forces are "still fighting in parts of Kursk," and accused Moscow of spreading disinformation. Nonetheless, Kyiv admitted that Russian forces have made steady advances in recent months, describing the situation as "difficult."

Meanwhile, amid rising tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump during Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican. Discussions reportedly focused on efforts to achieve a "complete and unconditional ceasefire."

The latest developments underscore the deepening complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as international efforts for peace continue.

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