Media: Russia sets new February deadline to expel Ukrainians from Kursk after October failure

According to RBC-Ukraine’s unnamed sources, the Kremlin has established new deadlines for its military operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, setting 1 February 2025 as the target date for regaining full control over the region after failing to meet the previous October deadline. Sources within Ukraine’s Defense Forces told RBC-Ukraine that Russian plans also include creating a buffer zone across the border in Ukrainian territory by 25 February.

Ukrainian Armed Forces launched their operation in Kursk Oblast on 6 August. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that by 27 August, 1,300 square kilometers and 100+ settlements were under control, though Russian forces later recaptured some territories.

The publication reports that Moscow has accumulated over 40,000 troops for the Kursk Oblast operation. While Ukrainian defenses haven’t collapsed, RBC-Ukraine notes that chances for Ukraine to expand its foothold in the Kursk area remain relatively low.

According to RBC-Ukraine sources, in August, Vladimir Putin ordered his military to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast by 1 October while maintaining forces in key Donbas sectors in eastern Ukraine.

In September, reports indicated Russia had concentrated 37,000 soldiers in Kursk Oblast, with orders to push out Ukrainian forces by 15 October.

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