Ukraine Loses 40% of Kursk Territory

Ukraine has lost over 40% of the territory it seized in Russia's Kursk region during a surprise offensive in August, according to a senior military source. The source indicated that Ukrainian forces had controlled approximately 1,376 square kilometers but now maintain only about 800 square kilometers due to intensified Russian counterattacks, with around 59,000 Russian troops redeployed to the area. The offensive was the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War Two and aimed to curb Russian advances in eastern Ukraine while enhancing Ukraine's leverage in future negotiations. Additionally, approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have reportedly arrived in support of Russian efforts, although their full deployment is still pending. The Russian Defence Ministry has not commented on the situation, and the figures remain unverified. The Ukrainian military continues to face challenges as they also reinforce other besieged fronts in eastern Ukraine.