KYIV: On Thursday, Ukraine's military leadership revealed that it now controls only about one-third of the territory it had earlier taken in Russia's western Kursk region during a surprise offensive last year.

Commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky announced on social media that Ukrainian forces now occupy roughly 500 square kilometers (190 square miles), a significant decrease from prior estimates that indicated control over nearly 1,400 square kilometers.

This revelation is part of ongoing military evaluations as the situation in the region continues to develop.

Ukrainian officials have previously expressed their intention to swap territorial gains with Russia to strengthen their negotiating position in any future talks.

The Kursk region, situated north of Ukraine, has experienced shifts in control as the conflict between the two nations persists, with both sides conducting military operations in different forms.

Observers point out that the situation regarding land control remains dynamic, shaped by tactical choices and broader strategic insights in the ongoing conflict.

The recognition of territorial losses highlights the difficulties confronted by Ukraine's military as it deals with the realities along its border with Russia.