Russia declared it had completely regained control over the southwestern border region of Kursk, which had been occupied by Ukrainian forces. However, the Ukrainian military denied Russia's announcement, saying it was "not true."
According to local media in Russia, President Vladimir Putin was informed during a video conference on the 26th (local time) that the operation to liberate Kursk had been completed.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, reported to President Putin that "the last village remaining in the territory of Kursk, Gornal, was liberated," adding that "Ukraine's plan to establish a foothold in the area and thwart Russia's Donbas offensive has failed."
He further added, "A total of about 76,000 Ukrainian troops who fought in Kursk have been killed or injured."
President Putin responded, saying, "Ukraine's adventure has completely failed," and that "conditions have been created to advance on other major fronts."
On this day, Russia also officially confirmed the participation of North Korea. Ukraine had stated that North Korean troops were participating in the battle for Kursk, but both Russia and North Korea had not acknowledged the involvement of North Korean forces.
Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov said, "I would like to mention that North Korean troops participated in the liberation of Kursk," noting that "the North Korean forces played a significant role in defeating the Ukrainian army."
He also praised, "North Korean soldiers and officers demonstrated high professionalism, resilience, courage, and heroic actions while shoulder to shoulder with Russian troops during the repulsion of the Ukrainian assault."
Ukraine rebutted Russia's announcement that it had liberated Kursk, declaring it was not true.