BREAKING: Russia claims Full Control of Kursk Oblast as Ukraine War Drags On; Trump Shifts Stance on Deadline for Resolution
By Archys
April 26,2025,6:30 PM ET
WASHINGTON,D.C. – The Kremlin is claiming a major victory in its ongoing war against Ukraine, with russian Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov announcing today that Russian forces have entirely expelled Ukrainian troops from the contested Kursk Oblast region. The claim, however, was swiftly refuted by Ukrainian military officials.Speaking directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Gerasimov asserted that Russian forces had seized Gornal, the last Ukrainian-held settlement within Kursk Oblast, marking the total defeat of Ukrainian forces in the area. He credited the success to a coalition of Russian units, including the 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment, elements of the Black Sea and Pacific Fleets, and even a regiment formed during the 2022 partial mobilization.
The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) further amplified the claim, stating that Defense Minister Andrei Belousov was present at a command post in Kursk Oblast, receiving reports from Col. Gen. Valery Solodchuk, commander of the Kursk Grouping of Forces, when Gornal was captured.
Independent verification of Russia’s claims is difficult, but geolocated footage posted online today does show Russian forces advancing along Gora Street in central gornal.
Ukraine Denies Russian claims
However, the Ukrainian General Staff issued a swift and firm denial of Gerasimov’s claims, asserting that Ukrainian forces continue to hold positions within Kursk Oblast. The General Staff reported repelling five Russian assaults in the region today.
Conflicting reports from Russian milbloggers further muddy the waters, with some claiming that fighting persists near Oleshnya, Guyevo, and the St. Nicholas Monastery – all locations within Kursk Oblast.
Kursk Incursion: A Costly Gambit for Ukraine
The Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast began in August 2024, and successfully diverted notable Russian combat power, including elite airborne (VDV) and naval infantry units, away from other critical front lines.However, the long-term strategic impact of the incursion remains a subject of debate among military analysts.
The russian military has historically regarded VDV and naval infantry units as among its best, deploying them to critical sectors. ISW had previously reported the redeployment of elements from all seven VDV formations and four of the six naval infantry formations from frontline positions in Ukraine to Kursk Oblast following Ukraine’s incursion,though some units were split between the two regions.
President Putin identified a large contingent of forces as operating in Kursk Oblast, drawing from a wide range of VDV regiments and brigades, Chechen units and naval infantry brigades from both the Pacific and Black Sea Fleets, as well as the 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment.
While the Ukrainian incursion managed to tie down these Russian forces, ISW has not observed any reports of their redeployment back to the front lines in Ukraine, suggesting the area remains a priority for Moscow.
However, the rate of advance has been slow. After seizing Sudzha, it took Russian forces almost two months to advance roughly nine kilometers to the international border, an average rate of just 200 meters per day, according to ISW.
North Korean Troops Acknowleged
In a highly significant advancement, Gerasimov’s proclamation included the first official Russian acknowledgment of North Korean troop participation in the conflict. He thanked North Korean service members for their “significant assistance” in pushing Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast, citing the Russian-North Korean Treaty on Extensive Strategic Partnership.Gerasimov praised North Korean officers and soldiers for demonstrating “professionalism” and “fortitude, courage, and heroism” during the operations, while Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson Maria Zakharova added that Russia would “never forget” its North Korean “friends.”
Neither official elaborated on the future role, if any, of North Korean forces in supporting Russian military operations against Ukraine, but their presence marks a concerning escalation of international involvement.Trump Adjusts Stance on Ukraine Deadline
Simultaneously occurring, in Washington, President Donald Trump signaled a shift in his administration’s approach to the war in Ukraine, stating on April 25 that the United States is no longer pursuing a concrete deadline for achieving a resolution – a departure from his earlier goal of ending the war within his first 100 days in office.
“There’s no deadline,” Trump told reporters.He also reiterated concerns that Putin was “just tapping me along,” feigning interest in ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Trump also expressed frustration over Russia’s continued strikes on civilian areas, stating that there was “no reason” for them and suggesting that Putin “doesn’t want to stop the war” and “has to be dealt with differently.”
These remarks come amid repeated attempts by Russian officials to leverage U.S. interest in a swift resolution to the conflict to extract concessions from Ukraine that would amount to a de facto surrender.
Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Vatican City on april 26 to discuss peace talks in an unpublicized and hastily arranged summit. Zelensky reported that the discussions focused on civilian safety, a full ceasefire, and a lasting peace.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung described the discussion as “very productive.”
New Russian Tactics: Motorcycles on the Front Lines?
Adding another layer of complexity to the conflict, Russia appears to be preparing to systematically integrate motorcycle usage into its offensive operations in Ukraine for the Summer and Fall of 2025. This move is likely designed to counter Ukraine’s increasingly effective drone warfare capabilities.
The Russian MoD released footage showcasing elements of the 299th (Airborne) VDV Regiment practicing offensive and defensive tactics on motorcycles. Ukrainian intelligence also indicates that Russian forces are training soldiers in motorcycle combat tactics.
Military analysts believe that motorcycles could enhance speed and maneuverability, allowing soldiers to evade drone strikes.However, the loud noise of the motorcycles could make it difficult for riders to hear approaching drones.
ISW has observed an increasing trend of Russian units using motorcycles and civilian vehicles to transport infantry and conduct mechanized assaults,a tactic likely aimed at mitigating both drone threats and equipment shortages resulting from heavy armored vehicle losses in recent months.
Other Key Developments:
fighting in Belgorod Oblast: Russian forces claimed to have seized Popovka in northwestern belgorod Oblast.
Sumy Oblast Offensive: Russian forces continued ground attacks in sumy Oblast,hitting the region with dozens of glide bombs daily. Gerasimov claimed the creation of a buffer zone, but not all gains have been verified.
* Eastern Front Battles: Heavy fighting continued near Kupyansk, Borova, Lyman, Siversk, and Chasiv Yar, without significant territorial gains by either side.
The war in Ukraine remains a dynamic and brutal conflict, with both sides adapting and evolving their tactics as the fighting grinds on. The conflicting claims surrounding Kursk Oblast, the shifting U.S. position on a resolution deadline, and Russia’s apparent embrace of motorcycle warfare all point to a protracted and unpredictable struggle.
