On Sunday, Russia reported that Ukraine has started a counterattack in the Kursk region, which is on Ukraine’s western border. This is happening as both sides are trying to get an advantage ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office on January 20.
Around 9:00 am Moscow time, Russia claimed that Ukrainian forces attacked to stop their troops from advancing in Kursk. Ukraine’s military did not provide many details but confirmed that fighting is taking place in the area.
Ukraine reportedly used two tanks, many armored vehicles, and a demolition team in its attack on a village called Berdin, which is located about 15 kilometers northeast of a town named Sudzha. Russia’s defense ministry said they are trying to stop the Ukrainian forces.
Some military fans online said that while the Russian army is under pressure, there’s still fighting back happening. An influential pro-Russian online source mentioned that the main part of the fighting may still be coming.
Ukrainian officials didn’t share much information about their new attack, with one politician suggesting it might be better to wait until the operation is finished before sharing details. On social media, other officials showed excitement about the operation, stating that Russia is facing problems because of the surprise attacks.
Since starting its operations on August 6, 2024, Ukraine seized many villages in Kursk, but their progress has been slowed by reinforcements from Russia, including troops from North Korea. A source from the Ukrainian army stated that they currently control around 800 square kilometers of the area, down from 1,400 square kilometers previously.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that the recent operations improve Ukraine’s position in talks about exchanging prisoners of war and have drawn many Russian troops away from the eastern front. He also highlighted the importance of Trump’s role in future discussions with Russia.
Meanwhile, early Sunday, Russian reports stated that they shot down many Ukrainian drones that damaged homes, while Ukraine said Russia fired over 100 drones into their territory. Four Russian airports temporarily closed for safety reasons, and in the Donetsk region, five people were reported injured due to Russian shelling.
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