On Aug.6, a powerful Ukrainian force invaded Kursk Oblast in western Russia and captured what is now a 250-square-mile salient anchored by the town of Sudzha. On Nov. 7, an equally powerful Russian force counterattacked—aiming to drive toward Sudzha along the main road threading from Zelenyi Shylakh on the western edge of the salient.

A former British Army soldier was reportedly captured by Russian forces while fighting alongside Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region of the country.

"Russia's own troops are not enough" to push Ukraine out of the Russian border region, Kyiv's top commander has said.

Ukraine has lost over 40 percent of the territory it previously gained in Russia's Kursk Oblast due to Russian counterattacks, Reuters reported on Nov. 23, citing a source in Ukraine's General Staff.

Ukraine has lost significant ground in the strategically important Kursk region amid ongoing clashes with Russian forces. The region, located near the Russian border, has seen intense fighting as both sides vie for control,

Recent reports indicate that Russian forces are making significant and relentless gains in the Kursk region, with Ukrainian troops retreating under heavy assault. Despite Ukraine's efforts to slow Russia's advances with an incursion in August,

Ukraine has lost 40% of the territory it seized in Russia’s Kursk region, now holding only 800 square kilometers. Russia deployed 59,000 troops to reclaim control, supported by reports of 11,000 North Korean forces in training.