Moscow (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russia’s defence ministry stated that Ukrainian forces conducted a counterattack in Russia’s western Kursk region but were thwarted by Russian troops.
It further said Ukrainian forces and armoured vehicles had carried out several waves of attacks near the villages of Ulanok and Cherkasskaya Konopelka. However, they were driven back, and the settlements were under Russian authority.
The Kursk region is one of the newest focal points in western Russia, bordering Ukraine as conflict erupted between Russia and Ukraine. It has been reported that Ukrainian forces have conducted operations into parts of the Kursk region, with some of the border areas under occupation by Ukrainian forces up to August 2024.
What impact did the Kursk offensive have on the war?
In August 2024, Ukraine mounted a surprise cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This was one of the first times Ukrainian forces had entered Russian territory since World War II. The operation sought strategic leverage and, perhaps, a future impact on ceasefire negotiations.
It is estimated that 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to assist Russian forces in the Kursk region. However, these forces have been recalled from active operation because of significant casualties—estimates put these at about 300 deaths and over 2,700 injuries.
Despite the success of the Ukrainian forces, Russian forces have still been pushing hard to recapture the lost grounds. They have launched wave after wave of tank and infantry-fighting vehicle attacks with little success.
