In a significant escalation of the conflict, Ukrainian forces have launched a major new attack in Russia’s western Kursk region, according to reports from Russian military bloggers. These bloggers, who support Moscow’s war in Ukraine but have frequently reported on military failings, indicated that the latest Ukrainian assault has placed Russian forces on the defensive.
Reports suggest that Ukrainian troops broke across the border in a surprise incursion on August 6 and have successfully resisted Russian attempts to expel them for the past five months. The Operativnye Svodki (Operational Reports) channel noted that intense artillery and small-arms battles are ongoing, with Ukraine deploying Western-armoured vehicles to bring in large numbers of infantry.
The reports, which Reuters could not independently verify, stated that the fighting is concentrated near the town of Bolshoye Soldatskoye. Influential blogger Yuri Podolyak mentioned that this could be a distraction manoeuvre by Ukraine, possibly to prepare a strike on Glushkovo, further west, and advised civilians in Glushkovo and Korenevo to evacuate.
Ukrainian and Western assessments indicate that around 11,000 troops from Russia’s ally North Korea have been deployed in the Kursk region to support Moscow’s forces. Russia has not confirmed nor denied their presence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Saturday that Russian and North Korean forces have suffered heavy losses, including the loss of up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops in battles near the village of Makhnovka.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, when asked about the situation during his annual phone-in last month, assured that Russia would eventually drive Ukrainian forces out of Kursk but did not specify a timeline.
Ukraine’s unexpected success in holding a slice of Russian territory could serve as an important bargaining chip in potential peace talks this year. Both sides are striving to improve their battlefield positions ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Trump has promised to bring a quick end to the war but has not provided details on his plans.
However, by committing effective units to the Kursk offensive, Ukraine has weakened the defense of its own eastern regions, where Russian forces have made significant advances. The Ukrainian military reported that the “hottest” front is currently near Pokrovsk, an important road and rail hub under prolonged Russian pressure.
In an overnight attack on Sunday, Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 61 out of 103 drones launched by Russia. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted five Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
This ongoing conflict continues to pose significant challenges and uncertainties for both sides as they seek strategic advantages on the battlefield.