Ukrainian defence forces lose occupied territory in Kursk region - Reuters

After the Russians began actively advancing in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian defenders were forced to withdraw from the previously occupied positions. At the moment, the Ukrainians have lost about 40 per cent of the territory controlled after the August operation. This was reported by Reuters citing a source in the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

At most we controlled about 1,376 square kilometres, now, of course, this territory is smaller. The enemy is intensifying its counterattacks," the source told Reuters.

He added that the Ukrainian Defence Forces now control about 800 square kilometres in Kursk region. The Ukrainian army plans to hold this territory for as long as it is militarily expedient.

According to the source, Russia has deployed 59,000 of its military personnel in the Kursk region.

Reuters notes that Kiev's occupation of the Kursk region was aimed at forcing Russia to withdraw its military, which has been gradually advancing in the east, as well as gaining additional leverage in likely future negotiations.

According to AFU commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyy, the AFU in Kursk Region is carrying out tasks to deter and destroy enemy forces.