Ukraine still fighting in Kursk, says Zelensky

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said Ukraine's army was still fighting in Russia's Kursk a day after Moscow claimed the 'full liberation' of its western region. 'Our military continues to actively defend the designated areas of the Kursk and Belgorod regions,' Zelensky said on Telegram, adding that the situation remained difficult in many areas including Kursk.

Russia said on Saturday that it had captured Gornal, the last settlement that was under Ukrainian control in its border Kursk region, where Kyiv launched a shock offensive in August 2024. Yet hours later Ukraine's army denied its forces had been forced out, branding Russia's claim as 'propaganda tricks'. 'The situation on the front lines and the actual activities of the Russian army prove that the current pressure on Russia to end this war is not enough,' Zelensky said, calling to increase pressure on Russia to create more opportunities for 'real diplomacy'. His comments come a day after Zelensky met US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral at the Vatican to discuss a potential ceasefire. — AFP