The operation, which began by surprise and allowed hundreds of Russian prisoners in its early moments, has had a strong political message to demonstrate Russian vulnerability. The Ukrainian operation in Kursk is taking its final steps.

Russian forces have recaptured Sudzha, the largest town that Ukraine once occupied in the Kursk region, according to Moscow, threatening Kyiv’s sole territorial bargaining chip amid pressure to negotiate an end to the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the region for the first time since Kyiv’s lightning incursion and as peace talks gain steam.