A satellite image shows the Sudzha border crossing in Oleshnya, Kursk Region August 1, 2024 in this handout obtained August 8, 2024 by Reuters. 2024 Planet Labs Inc/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
Russia Nears Full Control of Western Kursk Region Amid Ongoing Clashes
April 2, 2025 — MOSCOW — Russian forces are close to regaining complete control of the western Kursk region, following the reported recapture of one of the last Ukrainian-held settlements in the area, according to regional authorities and state media.
The development comes as Russia intensifies efforts to eliminate Ukrainian positions within its territory, months after a surprise incursion by Kyiv’s forces into Russian border regions.
Recapture of Guyevo Reported
On Tuesday, Russia’s Defence Ministry released footage claiming to show the recapture of the settlement of Guyevo. The video, set to dramatic music, depicted scenes of smoke rising from damaged buildings, a soldier raising the Russian flag from a heavily damaged Orthodox church, and troops conducting house-to-house inspections.
Reuters confirmed the location shown in the video using archived and satellite imagery but was unable to independently verify the date of the footage.
There has been no immediate response from Ukrainian authorities to the claim. However, Ukraine’s General Staff stated that its air forces had targeted a military complex in Kursk used by Russian drone operators and maintenance personnel. Reuters could not independently confirm the Ukrainian claim.
Ukrainian Incursion and Russian Counteroffensive
Ukrainian forces entered the Kursk region in August 2024, in a surprise move that reportedly caught Russian leadership off guard. The offensive was perceived by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a potential bargaining tool in future negotiations.
Since then, Russian troops have launched a sustained campaign to reclaim lost ground. Recent operations have reduced Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk significantly, according to analysts. Russia has also initiated actions in Ukraine’s neighbouring Sumy region, following statements by President Vladimir Putin about the creation of a “buffer zone” to protect Russian territory.
Strategic Settlements Remain Contested
According to the TASS state news agency, citing an unnamed military source, Russian forces must recapture only two more settlements—Gornal and Oleshnya—to reestablish full control over the Kursk region. The Defence Ministry reported ongoing combat operations near these settlements but did not confirm full control.
Independent war tracking organization DeepState indicates that Ukraine currently controls approximately 58 square kilometres (22 square miles) of Russian territory in Kursk, down from an estimated 1,400 square kilometres claimed in 2024.
Alexander Khinshtein, the Kremlin-appointed governor of Kursk, stated that the recapture of Guyevo signaled that full control of the region would be achieved “very soon.”
Ukrainian Activity Expands to Belgorod
President Zelenskiy confirmed for the first time on Monday that Ukrainian forces have also been operating in Russia’s Belgorod region. He characterized the incursions as defensive in nature, aimed at safeguarding Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions from ongoing Russian aggression.
“The war must return to where it came from,” Zelenskiy said, reinforcing Kyiv’s commitment to countering Russian operations beyond its borders.
Russian commander Apti Alaudinov, speaking to the RIA news agency, claimed on Friday that the situation in Belgorod was “under control,” following Ukrainian attempts to breach the border two weeks earlier.
Wider Impact of the Conflict
The broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in massive humanitarian and infrastructural losses. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or wounded, and millions have been displaced. Entire towns have been destroyed, and the war continues to drive a deep geopolitical divide between Moscow and Western nations.
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