Ukrainian Forces Make Tactical Gains in Kursk Region During New Offensive
Ukrainian military forces have reportedly achieved minor tactical advancements as part of their renewed offensive operations in the Kursk region of Russia. This development follows Moscow's acknowledgment of a Ukrainian counterattack in the border area, which Kyiv has partially controlled since initiating an incursion last August.
According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops have made progress in several locations, including southern Berdin, central Russkoye Porechnoye, and central Novosotnitsky, between Sunday and Monday. These villages are strategically positioned along the route connecting the Kyiv-controlled town of Sudzha to the regional capital, Kursk.
ISW reported that geolocated footage indicated Russian forces attempted to exploit the Ukrainian offensive northeast of Sudzha to launch attacks on Ukrainian positions in other parts of the Kursk region. The institute suggested that the increased Ukrainian operations may mark the initial phase of a more coordinated military effort in the Kursk area or elsewhere in the conflict zone, although they refrained from making specific predictions about future developments.
Military experts, such as a retired Australian Army Major-General, indicated that the Ukrainian offensive has caught Russian forces off guard, though they characterized this as a tactical rather than a strategic surprise. It appears that the Russian military has adapted quickly compared to the significant thrust of Ukrainian forces in August 2024.
As of now, Ukrainian forces have reportedly captured approximately 20-25 square kilometers in their latest operations. This small but noteworthy advancement highlights the ongoing volatility in the region.
In conjunction with the reported Ukrainian gains, Russia's Deputy Defense Minister visited the Kursk region on Sunday, shortly before the announcement of the Ukrainian offensive. However, Russian officials at both federal and regional levels have largely downplayed or ignored the developments related to the Ukrainian military actions, according to reports from independent news outlets.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that its troops continue to engage and defeat Ukrainian units within the Kursk region, claiming they have thwarted a breakthrough attempt near the village of Berdin.
Following an initial surge of territorial control after the incursion began on August 6, 2024, when Kyiv captured numerous villages in the Kursk region, Ukrainian advances have since stalled. This has occurred as Moscow has reinforced its positions in the area, deploying thousands of troops, including those from its ally North Korea.
Despite earlier claims that they controlled nearly 1,400 square kilometers of the Russian border region, Ukrainian military sources have indicated that this figure has decreased to about 800 square kilometers as of last November.
The timing of this renewed offensive is critical, as both Ukraine and Russia are seeking to bolster their negotiating positions ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. Concurrently, Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine, having recently claimed control of the pivotal town of Kurakhove.
This ongoing conflict underscores the complex and evolving military landscape in the region, with both sides engaging in strategic maneuvers as they prepare for potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape.
