Ukraine has intensified its counteroffensive in the southern Russian border region of Kursk, months after its initial incursion into the area. According to the reports of Leaders team, Ukrainian officials framed the latest operations as a decisive response to ongoing hostilities, claiming strategic advances against Russian and allied forces.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that surprise attacks were launched against Russian forces in multiple locations across Kursk. Ukrainian Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak commented on Telegram:
“Kursk region, good news, Russia is getting what it deserves.”
As per the sources of Leaders team, the Kursk incursion, launched in August, marked the first ground invasion of Russian territory by a foreign power since World War II. Despite Russian and North Korean reinforcements, Ukrainian forces have held significant territory. On Saturday, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported heavy Russian and North Korean troop losses in battles near Makhnovka, estimating the destruction of an entire battalion.
Russian military blogs acknowledged intensified fighting, noting Ukrainian advancements near Berdin and Sudzha. Reports suggest Ukraine employed armored vehicles, mine clearance tools, and electronic warfare systems to disrupt Russian UAV operations.
Ukrainian military officials described heavy Russian bombardment of Sudzha, which has been under Ukrainian control since August. Col. Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi reported ongoing explosions and drone activity, with artillery strikes killing 39 civilians and injuring over 100. Around 2,000 civilians remain trapped in a boarding school, with Russia refusing evacuation requests.
Analysts speculate Kyiv’s decision to target Kursk may strengthen Ukraine’s position in future ceasefire negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the Ukrainian incursion, suggesting it lacked military rationale.
In eastern Ukraine, Russian forces reported advances near Kurakhove in the Donetsk region, where intense battles continue.
As the conflict intensifies, global leaders weigh in. US President-elect Donald Trump pledged to end the war within 24 hours but withheld specifics on his strategy or future military aid to Ukraine. President Zelensky criticized Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops, highlighting their lack of proper protection.
