Russian forces have fully recaptured the territory of Kursk Oblast, the Russian border region partially held by Ukraine since last August, the Kremlin claimed on April 26. "Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to Supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin on the completion of the operation to liberate

Russia announced the liberation of the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces, with North Korean troops playing a significant role. Ukraine disputes this claim, stating that fighting is still ongoing.

Russia's military cooperation with North Korea grew rapidly after international isolation following invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has not commented on Zelenky's claims.