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.

Russia has expelled Ukrainian troops from Kursk, the largest incursion since WWII, removing barriers to a peace deal. Russia now controls large swathes of Ukraine, aided by the Kursk diversion. Peace talks continue but challenges remain,