Russian forces have recaptured a monastery in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian troops had been holed up.
Quoting a security source, the TASS news agency said Russian forces have captured the St. Nicholas Belogorsky monastery in the village of Gornal.
According to the Russian military Telegram channel, Ukraine had deployed troops, artillery and drone launchers at the historic site, which it said Russia had retaken after 10 days of fierce fighting.
Russia is said to be close to expelling the last Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region, where they smashed across the border in a shock incursion last August.
Meanwhile, Moscow has responded by sending in heavy reinforcements, including soldiers from its ally North Korea.
