Ukraine

Ukraine Launches Renewed Offensive in Russia's Kursk Region

Published JAN 6 2025

Story

Above: Ukrainian soldiers of the 68th Jaeger Brigade continue their military activity in positions in the Pokrovsk region, Ukraine, on Dec. 27, 2024. Image credit: Piotr Sobik/Anadolu/Contributor via Getty Images

The Facts

Ukraine launched a new offensive in Russia's Kursk region on Sunday, officials from both countries confirmed later in the day.
NBC
It comes months after Ukraine first launched its surprise incursion into the region last August — catching Russia off-guard and capturing roughly 500 sq miles (1.3K sq km) of territory. It marked the first ground invasion of Russia since World War II.
CNN
Sky News
Since then, Russian forces have slowly edged Ukrainian troops back — regaining an estimated 40% of the land, according to analysts — but have been unable to fully drive back the Ukrainian effort. This is despite thousands of North Korean troops being deployed alongside Russia in the region.
ap
Sky News
According to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US military-affiliated think tank that tracks battlefield positions in the conflict, Ukrainian forces attacked along three areas in the region and made a number of gains near Berdin, north of Sudzha. However, ISW added that Russian forces also advanced in positions southeast of Sudzha over the past day.
ISW
In Ukraine, ISW reported that Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and within the city of Toretsk — each in Donetsk — as well as near Borova in the Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces regained lost positions near Chasiv Yar.
ISW
On Monday, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have captured Kurakhove in a statement. There was no comment from Ukrainian officials at this stage.
The Associated Press

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The Spin

Pro-Ukraine narrative

Ukraine's offensive in the Kursk region is important because the more territory it gains, the more it will strengthen its hand in any possible peace negotiations.

Ukrainska Pravda

Pro-Russia narrative

Russian forces have crushed Ukraine's attempt at gaining a foothold in the Kursk region. Over the past day, hundreds of personnel and dozens of pieces of equipment were liquidated.