On February 20, 2025, Vladimir Putin claimed russian 810th Brigade’s soldiers had crossed into Ukraine’s Sumy region from russia’s Kursk region. Vladimir Putin’s claim is currently not substantiated or corroborated. Ukrainian forces likely maintain control of approximately 400 - 450 sq km in Kursk, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
It is highly likely that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) force elements have returned to frontline positions in Kursk region. This follows a temporary withdrawal for a period of rest and refit, almost certainly primarily due to more than a third of 11,000 North Korean combat troops deployed to Kursk being killed or wounded attacking Ukrainian-held positions.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence Reports on the Decline of russia’s Ground Forces
The highest russian pressure remains centred in Donetsk region. Russia continues to attack key urban areas including Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar and Toretsk, whilst also attempting to advance into less urban areas in the southern part of the frontline, north and northwest of Velyka Novosilka.
Russian advances towards the key Donetsk logistical hub of Pokrovsk have been minimal in the last two weeks. Ukrainian forces are highly likely contesting Pishchane, an outskirt town 5 km southwest of Pokrovsk, with overall control being unclear at the present time.
Read more: The UK Defense Intelligence: Moscow Pushes to Criminalize Indirect Foreign Influence
