Ukraine's surprise incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6 saw Kyiv make swift gains which were hoped to be an effective bargaining chip in ending the war. While Russia's response was slow, it has now recaptured much of the territory with the help of North Korean soldiers.

Russia's ejection of Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region ends the biggest incursion into Russian territory since World War Two, removing another barrier to a peace deal Moscow was reluctant to conclude with so many enemy troops on its soil.

All Ukrainian troops have been forced from Russia’s Kursk region, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Saturday. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the claim.