Zelensky judges Kursk offensive as a success despite withdrawal

Despite a general retreat of Ukrainian troops from Russia's Kursk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky views the surprise advance into enemy territory as a success.

Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, but Kiev decided to turn the tables on Moscow by launching its own limited invasion in August.

"It is absolutely fair to move the war to where it came from," Zelensky said in a video address.

Zelensky recorded the video in the Ukrainian border region of Sumy, from where Ukrainian forces advanced into Russian territory.

He said he had discussed with commanders of the units still fighting in Kursk what equipment and support they needed.

"We are working on protecting our positions," Zelensky said.

Only a few square kilometres of the Russian Kursk region remain under Ukrainian control.