Russia Says Has Taken Back Major Chunk Kursk Region Ukrainian Forces 2025 02 20
Reuters2 days ago
Putin Alleges Big Gains in Russia's Kursk Region
Above: A Ukrainian soldier walks on the frontline on Feb. 10, 2025, in Pokrovsk, Ukraine. Image copyright: Pierre Crom/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin alleged his country's forces made large battlefield gains in the Russian region of Kursk on Wednesday, going as far as asserting that some troops advanced into Ukrainian territory. Neither claim could be independently confirmed at this stage.
Speaking to reporters at a drone manufacturing plant in St Petersburg, Putin said: "The latest information that I received literally an hour ago: fighters of the 810th Brigade crossed the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine and entered the enemy’s territory over the night."
Earlier in the day, Russia's Defense Ministry issued a statement alleging that different units, namely the 51st and 56th Guards Airborne Regiments, recaptured the settlement of Sverdlikovo in Kursk, further alleging that they drove Ukrainian forces to the Ukrainian border region of Sumy.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russian forces are making sweeping gains in the Kursk region, as well as across the entirety of the line of contact. Russian defenders continue to accomplish their combat objectives.
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Russian claims of widespread gains in Kursk are simply untrue. Over the past day, there were 12 military engagements — nine of which were repelled and the remaining three are ongoing.