by Temitope Oladeji
8/4/2025
Russia’s military announced on Tuesday that its forces have regained control of Guyevo, one of the last remaining villages in the Kursk region previously held by Ukrainian troops.
The village, located near the Ukrainian border and just south of the town of Sudha, which was recaptured by Russian forces last month, had remained a strategic foothold since Ukraine’s cross-border incursion last year in August.
The Ukrainian offensive marked the most extensive ground operation inside Russian territory since World War II, briefly shifting momentum in the region.
However, a sustained Russian counteroffensive has steadily reversed those gains in recent months, restoring Russia’s control over strategic areas.
In a statement, Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed the liberation of Guyevo, framing it as part of a broader push to clear Ukrainian forces from the border zone.
The Russian government has, in recent weeks, commended its military for repelling incursions and reestablishing control over contested areas.
Despite these gains, heavy fighting reportedly continues in Russian border villages adjacent to Ukraine.
The announcement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation on Monday that Ukrainian troops are also active in Russia’s Belgorod region.
A separate hotspot that has seen repeated cross-border strikes since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Kremlin has reportedly declined to comment on Zelenskyy’s remarks.
In response to Ukraine’s incursions, President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian forces operating in the Kursk region to surrender, while warning that those captured on Russian soil will be treated as terrorists and face criminal prosecution.