Ukraine loses 40% of Russia’s Kursk as Russian forces increase counterattack

Updated: November 24, 2024 03:10 AM IST

2 min read

In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry press service no Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, Russian T90M Proryv tank fires towards Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

Ukraine has reportedly lost over 40% of the territory it seized in a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August, according to a senior Ukrainian military source. The retreat comes as Russian forces intensify their counter-assaults, deploying approximately 59,000 troops to the region.

The Ukrainian source revealed that their forces initially controlled up to 1,376 square kilometres (531 square miles) of territory in Kursk but now hold around 800 square kilometres (309 square miles). “The enemy is increasing its counterattacks,” they stated, adding that Ukraine will maintain its positions “as long as is militarily appropriate.”

Kyiv’s thrust into Kursk was designed to disrupt Russian advances in Ukraine’s east and northeast, but Russian forces continue their push in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s primary goal remains the occupation of the entire Donbas region and the removal of Ukrainian troops from Kursk.

Zelenskyy expressed concerns over Putin’s timeline, suggesting the Russian leader aims to secure a symbolic victory by January 20, coinciding with Donald Trump’s expected inauguration as US president.

Adding to the complexity, the Ukrainian military source claimed around 11,000 North Korean troops have arrived in the Kursk region to support Russia. However, their training is reportedly still ongoing. Moscow has not confirmed the presence of North Korean forces, and these claims remain unverified.

Meanwhile, in the Donetsk region, Russian forces are advancing by 200-300 metres daily, posing a significant threat in areas like Kurakhove, a strategic town leading to the logistical hub of Pokrovsk.

Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian supply chains by targeting weapons depots and airfields inside Russia. This follows the US’s approval for Ukraine to use American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles for strikes deep into Russian territory.

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In response, Russia launched a medium-range ballistic missile into the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, signalling its escalating capabilities. Ukrainian officials are now in discussions with the US and UK to secure advanced air defence systems to protect cities such as Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv from longer-range threats.

The conflict remains intense, with Russia reportedly maintaining 575,000 troops in Ukraine and aiming to increase its numbers to 690,000.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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