Ukraine has denied Russian claims that it has been forced out of Russia’s Kursk region.

Valery Gerasimov, chief of staff of Russia’s military, said his forces had regained full control of the region, eight months after Ukrainian forces first launched a surprise incursion into the border region, while Russian President Vladimir Putin described Ukraine’s efforts as a complete failure.

Ukraine says its troops are still conducting operations in Kursk, with the military describing Russia’s claims as “propaganda tricks”.

Ukrainian forces have been in retreat in Kursk in recent months, facing 70,000 Russian troops and heavy drone attacks as part of Russia’s drive to regain the territory.

During a video conference meeting with Putin on Saturday, Gerasimov said: “Today, the last settlement in the Kursk region, the village of Gornal, has been liberated from Ukrainian forces.”

He praised what he described as the “heroism” of North Korean troops who had “provided significant assistance in defeating the group of Ukrainian armed forces”.

“The Kyiv regime’s adventure has completely failed,” Putin told Gerasimov, claiming that it would pave the way for further Russian advances on other fronts.

Responding in a post on Telegram, the Ukrainian military’s general staff said the situation on the battlefield was “difficult” but insisted its forces were still holding positions in Kursk and continuing an incursion in Russia’s Belgorod region.