UPDATE - Russia says it reclaimed 5 settlements in Kursk region from Ukraine

UPDATES WITH DEFENSE MINISTRY STATEMENT ON ADVANCES IN UKRAINE, COMMENTS FROM KREMLIN SPOKESPERSON

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Tuesday said its forces reclaimed five settlements in the Kursk region, which had been captured by Ukraine during last year’s incursion.

"Units of the Sever (North) group of forces liberated 12 settlements during the offensive: Cossack Village, First Knyazhy, Second Knyazhy, Zamostye and Mirny," the Defense Ministry said.

The military service also claimed that its forces captured the city center of Sudzha and continued advancing in several districts of the city.

Commenting on the report, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the presidential administration is closely monitoring the information provided by the military.

“The data from our military indicates that our forces are making significant progress in the Kursk region, liberating areas previously controlled by militants. The dynamics are promising,” he said.

In a separate statement, the Defense Ministry also reported the capture of two settlements in eastern Ukraine, saying the villages of Novomarkove and Dniproenerhiya came under control as a result of operations by the Yug (South) group of forces.

Ukraine has yet to comment on Russia’s claims, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing conflict.