Russia recaptures key kursk town as Ukraine faces setbacks

Russian forces have reclaimed Sudzha, the largest town previously held by Ukraine in the Kursk region, according to Moscow. This loss threatens Kyiv’s position in ongoing negotiations as international pressure mounts for a ceasefire.

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that its forces had successfully taken control of Sudzha, along with the settlements of Melovoy and Podol. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) confirmed the Russian advance, citing footage from the battlefield.

Sudzha, though small with a pre-war population of 5,000, was one of Ukraine’s key footholds in Russian territory. Its fall marks a symbolic victory for Moscow, reinforcing President Vladimir Putin’s push to "completely liberate" the Kursk region.

Putin’s surprise visit to the region on Wednesday, clad in military uniform, underscored the Kremlin’s determination to regain full control. He addressed frontline troops, emphasizing the need to clear remaining Ukrainian forces and proposing a buffer zone along the border.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold ground. Ukraine’s top general, Oleksandr Syrskyi, signaled potential tactical withdrawals, prioritizing soldier safety as Russian airstrikes devastate occupied areas.

Russia claims to have recaptured over 86% of the land taken by Ukraine, with 430 Ukrainian soldiers reportedly captured. The Kremlin remains confident in its ability to reclaim the entire Kursk region soon.

As the conflict intensifies, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Moscow to discuss a proposed 30-day ceasefire, already accepted by Ukraine. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cast doubt on the plan, reinforcing Russia’s stance on military dominance in the region.