A new medal has been established in the Kursk region of Russia to recognize contributions to the liberation of the region from Ukrainian forces. The award was announced at a meeting of the regional Duma on Tuesday, June 10th.

The medal, titled “For Contribution to the Liberation of the Kursk Land,” was created at the initiative of the acting governor of the region. Deputies unanimously supported the bill.

The medal will be awarded to military personnel, law enforcement officers, and individuals who participated in hostilities. Volunteers and employees of defense enterprises involved in the production of essential goods will also be recognized. Furthermore, those who contributed to the restoration of damaged infrastructure and residential buildings in the region will be eligible for the award.

Ukrainian troops had invaded the Kursk region on August 6, 2024. In early March 2025, Russian forces launched a large-scale offensive and regained control over numerous settlements, including Sudzha.

On April 26, 2025, the Chief of the General Staff reported to the President of the Russian Federation on the completion of the operation to liberate the Kursk region. He specifically highlighted the contribution of the DPRK military, who demonstrated steadfastness and heroism while fighting alongside Russian troops. Demining the border territories of the region is expected to take over a year.

The President of the Russian Federation made his first visit to the Kursk region since its complete liberation on May 20.