People wait at a bus stop next to a reinforced concrete bomb shelter installed in a street in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Kursk, Russia August 28, 2024. The sign on the construction reads: “Shelter”. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
Ukraine Pushes Russian Forces in Kursk Region Amid High-Stakes Conflict
Ukraine launched a renewed offensive in Russia’s Kursk region on Sunday, a strategic area where Ukrainian forces have maintained a foothold since a surprise incursion in August. The attack highlights Kyiv’s efforts to bolster its negotiating position ahead of potential peace talks, even as both sides prepare for shifts in U.S. policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
Details of the Offensive
According to Russia’s defense ministry, the attack began around 0600 GMT near the village of Berdin, involving two Ukrainian tanks, a mine-clearing vehicle, and 12 armored combat vehicles carrying paratroopers.
- Russian Response: The ministry claimed its artillery and air forces had repelled the attack, describing two assaults as defeated. However, Russian military bloggers suggested Ukrainian forces had initially put significant pressure on Russian troops.
- Ukrainian Position: Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hinted at progress, posting “good news” from Kursk on Telegram. Ukrainian officials also reported multiple attacks on Russian forces in the region.
Mixed Reports on Ground Situation
Russian war bloggers painted a mixed picture, initially describing Ukrainian gains and Russian setbacks before later claiming that Russian units had stabilized the situation. Yuri Podolyak, a prominent blogger, reported that Russian forces had encircled Ukrainian troops north of a key highway leading to the city of Kursk.
Kursk’s acting governor, Alexander Khinshtein, urged residents to rely on official sources and avoid returning to unsafe areas.
North Korean Troop Presence
Western and Ukrainian sources indicate that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Kursk to support Russian forces.
- Casualties: President Zelenskyy reported that battles near Makhnovka resulted in the loss of a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops. The size of a battalion typically ranges from several hundred to a thousand troops.
- Moscow’s Stance: While Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean forces, their involvement marks an unusual and significant development in the conflict.
Strategic Implications
Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk, if retained, could serve as a valuable bargaining chip in peace negotiations. The territorial gain challenges Russia’s broader control over approximately 20% of Ukraine and underscores Kyiv’s resilience despite the war’s toll.
However, committing key units to the Kursk offensive has left Ukraine’s eastern regions vulnerable. Russian forces have advanced rapidly in the east since August, making gains at their fastest pace in over a year.
Context and Outlook
Both sides are racing to strengthen their positions before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised a swift resolution to the war without detailing his approach.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, while reaffirming his commitment to driving Ukrainian forces out of Kursk, has refrained from providing a timeline. Ukraine’s bold moves on Russian territory complicate the dynamics of potential peace talks, signaling its intent to negotiate from a position of strength.
As the conflict intensifies, the coming months will test both nations’ military strategies and diplomatic agility, especially with shifting global political dynamics under the incoming U.S. administration.
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