MOSCOW - Russian forces have recaptured Sudzha, a Ukraine-held key town in the Kursk region, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.  

Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian military operation to retake the Kursk region from Ukrainian armed forces entered its final stage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the command posts in the Kursk region on Wednesday evening, and was briefed by senior commanders that Russia is close to liberating the territory of the Kursk region from Ukrainian armed forces, reported the TASS news agency.

ALSO READ: Kremlin: Russia will wait for information from US on ceasefire proposal

Putin emphasized the urgency of swiftly concluding the operation and establishing a security zone in the region.

Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov said that the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region had been isolated and were being systematically destroyed.

The large-scale offensive by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region began in August 2024. 

Meanwhile, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday it had prevented sabotage and terrorist attacks targeting Russian servicemen and government officials involved in the Ukraine crisis.

READ MORE: Russia announces recapture of 5 settlements in Kursk region

Authorities found five parcels containing explosive devices disguised as perfume gift sets during inspections at Chelyabinsk airport, the FSB said in a statement.

A Russian citizen, allegedly recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, was detained, the FSB said, adding that the suspect attempted to send the parcels to military personnel and officials in four Russian regions, including Moscow.

Additional hidden explosives were uncovered during further searches in Chelyabinsk. Investigators have initiated a criminal case related to the illegal acquisition, storage and transportation of explosives, according to the agency.