Ukraine announced on Thursday that its forces have captured 909 Russian soldiers over six months of intense combat in Russia’s western Kursk region.
Kyiv stated that a key objective of its cross-border military operation, launched in August, was to secure Russian prisoners who could be exchanged for Ukrainian troops held in Russian custody.
“During the operation, Ukrainian forces captured 909 Russian servicemen, significantly bolstering the exchange fund,” the Ukrainian military said in a statement.
“This has enabled the return of hundreds of Ukrainian defenders who were imprisoned in Russia,” it added.
Despite nearly three years of war, both Kyiv and Moscow continue to conduct prisoner exchanges, with Ukraine prioritizing the release of its captured soldiers in negotiations.
Last year, Ukrainian forces reported capturing more than 700 Russian troops in operations within the Kursk region.
Ukraine’s offensive—the largest foreign military incursion into Russia since World War II—initially made rapid territorial gains. However, in recent months, Ukrainian troops have struggled to maintain control over the seized areas.
Kyiv maintains that holding ground in Kursk remains a crucial leverage point in any future peace talks, even as Russian forces continue to advance along the eastern front.
The Kremlin has not yet responded to Ukraine’s latest claims.