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.

Ukrainian officials disputed the claim, saying their forces continue to hold back Russian troops in the Kursk sector.