Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the Russian Defence Ministry. The ministry reported ongoing efforts to repel the Ukrainian attack groups, which include tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and a counter-obstacle vehicle. This development signals a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, reigniting tensions near Russia’s western border.
The offensive, launched around 9 a.m. Moscow time on Sunday, aims to counter recent Russian advances in the Kursk area. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, described the operation as delivering justice to Russia, while Ukraine’s counter-disinformation official, Andriy Kovalenko, hinted at the surprise element of the attack. “The Russians in Kursk are experiencing great anxiety,” Kovalenko stated on Telegram.
Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region began in August 2023, when Kyiv’s forces seized substantial territory. Despite recent Russian gains in the area, Ukrainian troops have maintained a foothold, posing ongoing challenges to Russian forces. In November, Ukraine claimed to have encountered North Korean soldiers in the region, an apparent response to Ukraine’s initial surprise attack.
The conflict has seen significant displacement, with nearly 200,000 people evacuated from border areas last year. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine’s actions as a “major provocation,” though Ukrainian forces maintained control of over 1,200 square kilometers of territory, including 93 villages, at the height of their offensive.
While some of that territory has since been retaken by Russian forces, the renewed Ukrainian push underscores the unpredictability of the frontline dynamics. The scale of this latest offensive remains unclear, with analysts questioning whether it will lead to major territorial shifts.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 61 Russian drones overnight, targeting multiple regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Although no direct hits were reported, some houses in Kharkiv were damaged by debris.
As the conflict intensifies, both sides face mounting challenges, with Ukraine confronting manpower shortages and Russia grappling with an increasingly unpredictable enemy. The Kursk region remains a volatile flashpoint in a war with no clear end in sight.
