Ukrainian forces continued their counteroffensive in Russia’s Kursk region on Monday as the conflict entered a new phase ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
According to reports, most of the fighting appears to be concentrated in the northeast of Sudzha, the only city in Kursk under Ukrainian control.
#Ukraine has reportedly initiated a new offensive in #Russia‘s Kursk region, seeking to strengthen its position in the area by driving #Russian forces further away from Sudzha. 🇺🇦🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/0BUScLxcTH
— Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) January 5, 2025
Russia on Monday said that its forces had made significant gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing key areas in Donetsk and advancing toward the city of Pokrovsk, while pushing back against a Ukrainian attack in the Kursk region.
Russia – Moscow Reports Gains Amid Fighting in Kursk
Russia claims capture of Kurakhove and Dachenske in eastern Ukraine, advancing near Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues in Kursk, Russia, as Ukraine’s counteroffensive gains traction. Over 1,000 North Korean troops… pic.twitter.com/MXffN0qRsO
— GeoTrends (@geotrendsx) January 6, 2025
Ukraine’s surprise assault in Kursk began over the weekend. Ukrainian forces reportedly used tanks and armored vehicles supplied by NATO allies in the operation. Despite reported gains by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russian and North Korean forces suffered significant losses, with up to a battalion eliminated in the recent fighting.
Burning Ukrainian tank and crew in Kursk
Location in the Makhnovka area, only 2.5 km from Sudzha. Even though Ukraine continues to send reserves and conducts an offensive in Kursk, Ukrainian-held territory continues to shrink.#Ukraine #Russia #Kursk pic.twitter.com/YAelf4VNHu
— DK (@fasttrade888) January 6, 2025
Russian reinforcements, including North Korean troops, have helped reduce Ukraine’s territorial control in Kursk over recent months. While Ukraine initially gained about 1,400 square kilometers during an August incursion, it now controls only about 800 square kilometers, according to reports.
The attack comes as both Ukraine and Russia seek to strengthen their negotiating positions ahead of Trump’s presidency. Zelensky has expressed hope that Trump will pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into peace talks while securing stronger security guarantees for Ukraine.
