Ukraine Keeps Its Kursk Bargaining Chip for Any Russia Talks
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Days after Ukrainian troops seized part of Russia’s Kursk region in a surprise attack, President Vladimir Putin told defense officials their “main objective” was to repel the invasion. Six months later, they’re still trying.
Putin’s failure to expel Ukraine’s army from Russian territory may gain added significance as US President Donald Trump pushes for a deal to end the war. While Russian troops continue to advance gradually on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv retains a bargaining chip in Kursk for a potential exchange of territory at any talks.