By Smartencyclopedia with Agencies
January 5, 2025
Kyiv/Moscow — Ukraine has initiated a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, marking a renewed escalation in the conflict. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the operation in a statement, reporting ongoing efforts to neutralize Ukrainian attack groups in the area. Ukrainian officials have also hinted at significant developments.
The Kursk incursion first began in August last year when Ukrainian forces seized a substantial swath of territory. Since then, intense fighting has seen Russian troops make significant advances, pushing back Ukrainian forces but failing to eliminate their presence entirely.
The Russian Defence Ministry described the latest Ukrainian counter-attack as a coordinated maneuver involving two tanks, one counter-obstacle vehicle, and 12 armored fighting vehicles. “At around 9 a.m. Moscow time, in order to stop the offensive by the Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counter-attack by an assault detachment,” read the ministry’s statement on Telegram.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, described the developments as “good news” for Ukraine, adding that Russia was “getting what it deserves.” Andriy Kovalenko, Ukraine’s counter-disinformation official, highlighted the surprise element of the attack, stating: “The Russians in Kursk are experiencing great anxiety because they were attacked from several directions.”
A Fluid Frontline
While the scale of this offensive remains unclear, analysts are questioning its potential to reshape the entrenched frontline dynamics. Ukrainian forces have faced significant manpower shortages and have been losing ground in eastern Ukraine in recent months as Russian forces continue their advance.
The renewed activity in Kursk coincides with a broader escalation in aerial assaults. Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 61 drones launched by Russia overnight across multiple regions, including Kyiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv. Though no direct hits were reported, intercepted drones caused minor damage to homes in Kharkiv Region.
North Korean Troops in Kursk?
In a surprising twist last November, Ukraine claimed that its forces had engaged North Korean troops deployed to the Kursk region by Russia. This deployment reportedly followed Ukraine’s initial August offensive, during which its forces advanced up to 30 kilometers into Russian territory, seizing over 1,200 square kilometers and 93 villages. Moscow’s response included evacuating nearly 200,000 residents from border areas and condemning Ukraine’s actions as a “major provocation.”
Strategic Implications
Military experts suggest that Ukraine’s persistence in Kursk underscores its strategy to pressure Russian forces across multiple fronts. However, the success of such operations may hinge on Ukraine’s ability to sustain offensive momentum amid resource and personnel constraints.
The situation in Kursk remains fluid, with no immediate indication of a decisive shift. Both sides continue to claim tactical advantages, but the broader implications of Ukraine’s actions are likely to unfold in the weeks ahead.