Russian forces have retaken the small town of Sudzha in Russia’s Kursk border region from Ukrainian troops, the defence ministry in Moscow said on Thursday.

There has not yet been confirmation from the Ukrainian side.

Sudzha was the most significant population centre in the Kursk region to come under the control of Ukrainian forces during their surprise advance into Russian territory last August.

Ukraine was able to capture more than 1,000 square kilometres in Kursk.

For months, Russia has been waging fierce battles, including with the support of North Korean soldiers, to reclaim the territory.

Russia’s efforts had paid off, with Ukraine recently withdrawing from several villages.

(dpa/NAN)