Ukraine has launched a daring counterattack in Russia’s southern border region of Kursk, making it the first ground invasion of Russian territory by a foreign country since World War II. This bold action comes after months of Russian offensives, catching both Russia and Ukraine’s allies off guard.
Ukrainian forces advanced rapidly during the initial stages of the operation, though the overall control in the region hasn’t shifted much in recent months. Andrii Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that Ukrainian troops carried out surprise attacks at multiple locations across Kursk.
On Sunday night, Andriy Yermak, a key official in Ukraine’s Presidential Office, hinted at the success of the operation in a Telegram post, saying, “Russia is getting what it deserves.”
Since August 2024, Ukrainian forces have maintained control over much of the territory they seized during their initial incursion into Kursk. Despite consistent efforts by Russian and North Korean troops, Ukraine has managed to hold its ground.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on Sunday that Ukrainian counterattacks were aimed at halting a Russian offensive. They claimed to have defeated a Ukrainian assault involving tanks and armored vehicles near Berdin, about 15 kilometers from the border. The ministry also highlighted the use of air power against Ukrainian forces in several locations.
“The enemy has thrown reserves into the offensive in Kursk region,” said one blog Sunday.
“For the breakthrough, the AFU covered the area with powerful radio electronic warfare systems, hampering the work of our UAVs (drones),” the blog said. “There are small arms battles, our artillery and tanks are actively working against the enemy.”
Meanwhile, Russian military blogs reported ongoing hostilities in the Sudzha district, with armored vehicles, artillery, and small arms clashes. These updates reveal the intensity of the fighting as both sides aim to gain an advantage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Saturday that Russian forces, including North Korean soldiers, suffered significant losses near Makhnovka. Reports suggest that some 11,000 North Korean troops are currently deployed in Kursk, signaling the growing complexity of this conflict.
“In this offensive the enemy uses mine clearance trawls, tanks and other armored vehicles,” the blog said, adding that frosty ground was enabling the attack, but that was not expected to last. It added that Russian bombers were in action.
Despite these setbacks, Russia appears determined to regain lost ground. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to provide a clear timeline for reclaiming the region.
“Our guys are fighting, there is a battle going on right now, and serious battles. It is unclear why, there was no military sense in the Ukrainian Armed Forces entering the Kursk region, or holding on there now as they are doing, throwing their best units there to be slaughtered,” Putin said.
Ukraine’s decision to enter Russian territory might be aimed at strengthening its position in future ceasefire negotiations. As tensions escalate, the global community continues to watch closely.
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to end the war within 24 hours but has not explained how he plans to achieve this or whether he will continue providing military aid to Ukraine.
The counterattack in Kursk marks a pivotal moment in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both sides are preparing for a prolonged struggle as diplomatic solutions remain uncertain. This bold move by Ukraine could reshape the dynamics of the war and influence future negotiations.
