MOSCOW:
Russia announced on Sunday that Ukraine had launched a “counterattack” in the western border region of Kursk, an area where Kyiv initiated a surprising ground offensive last August.
Details of Ukraine’s progress remain unclear, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported the onset of a powerful new offensive. This escalation occurs at a pivotal moment in the nearly three-year conflict, as both sides aim to strengthen their positions ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
According to the Russian defense ministry, “At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), the enemy launched a counterattack to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction.” The assault reportedly involved two tanks, a dozen armored vehicles, and a demolition unit targeting the village of Berdin, located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sudzha.
“The operation to destroy Ukrainian army formations is ongoing,” the ministry added.
Pro-Russian military bloggers acknowledged that Moscow’s forces were under pressure but insisted they were resisting effectively. “The main events of this attempted Ukrainian offensive are still ahead,” stated the prominent pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Rybar.
Images allegedly showing Ukrainian armored vehicles advancing through the snow were shared by pro-Russia blogger Dva Mayora on Telegram.
Ukrainian officials provided minimal details about the offensive, with lawmaker Oleksiy Goncharenko urging discretion. “Maybe it’s better to report on the Kursk region after the operation is complete?” he suggested.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials expressed satisfaction with the developments. Presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak declared, “Russia is getting what it deserves.” Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, noted that Ukrainian forces were actively “working” in the region.
“In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from multiple directions, catching them by surprise,” Kovalenko added.
Following Kyiv’s initial advances in Kursk last August, its progress slowed after Moscow reinforced the region with thousands of troops, including personnel from North Korea.
A Ukrainian military source informed AFP in November that Kyiv retained control of 800 square kilometers of the Kursk region, down from earlier claims of 1,400 square kilometers.
The situation remains fluid as both sides vie for strategic advantage in the region.
