Kyiv's forces struck an advanced Russian air-defense system in the border Kursk region, according to Ukraine's military, shortly after the U.S. green-lit attacks over the border using long-range American weapons and as North Korean soldiers are expected to join front-line clashes in the area.

"Russia's own troops are not enough" to push Ukraine out of the Russian border region, Kyiv's top commander has said.

Ukraine has lost 40% of the territory it seized in Russia’s Kursk region, now holding only 800 square kilometers. Russia deployed 59,000 troops to reclaim control, supported by reports of 11,000 North Korean forces in training.