Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov announced during a video conference with President Putin that Russian forces have liberated the last Ukrainian-held village, Gornal, in the Kursk region. Putin declared Ukraine’s counter-offensive “a total failure.” Ukraine’s senior staff, however, dismissed Russia’s claims as mere propaganda, admitting that battlefield conditions in the area have become increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, Russia praised North Korean soldiers, with around 10,000 troops reportedly engaged in combat.