Media: Russia retakes 100 km² in Kursk Oblast in a week, quarter of losses to Ukraine

Russian forces reportedly reclaimed 100 km² in Kursk Oblast over the past week, according to Russian media Agentstvo, based on analysis of Ukrainian Deep State OSINT maps.

The first reports of renewed Russian activity in Ukrainian-held Kursk Oblast territory emerged on 8 October. By 10 October, signs indicated a larger operation was underway. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia redeployed 50,000 troops from other front sectors to Kursk Oblast.

Russian forces have reportedly recaptured 100 km² in Kursk Oblast over the past week, Russian media Agentstvo (Agency) reports.

This claim is based on analyzing maps from the Ukrainian OSINT project Deep State. This follows Ukraine’s surprise 6 August incursion, which initially… pic.twitter.com/IcPcgdlOhb

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) October 14, 2024

“Ukrainian-occupied territory in Kursk Oblast now totals about 660 km², with 360 km² in the grey zone. Ukrainian forces have lost nearly a quarter of territory gained in Kursk Oblast since August,” Agentstvo states.

Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast began on 6 August, quickly capturing around 1,000 km². DeepState reported peak Ukrainian control at 900 km², plus 330 km² of grey zone. ISW estimated the conflict area at 1,160 km².

President Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s Kursk incursion objectives: drawing Russian forces from other fronts, establishing a buffer zone to protect Ukrainian border regions, demonstrating the fragility of Russian “red lines,” and showcasing Ukraine’s military capabilities.

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