Ukraine launches surprise counterattack in Kursk region
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The extent of Ukraine's advancement remains unclear, but reports from military observers suggest an intense and coordinated operation is underway.
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In this image from a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on November 7, 2024, Russian Army soldiers fight with Ukrainian Armed forces in the Sudzhansky district of the Kursk region of Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)
Russia announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had launched a counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk, which has been a focal point since Kiev initiated a ground offensive last August.
The extent of Ukraine's advancement remains unclear, but reports from military observers suggest an intense and coordinated operation is underway.
"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," stated the Russian Defense Ministry.
According to Moscow, the attack involved two tanks, several armored vehicles, and specialized demolition units targeting the village of Berdin, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sudzha. The Ministry emphasized that their operations to neutralize Ukrainian forces continue.
❗️Ukrainian troops attempted to counterattack in the area of the village of Berdin in the Kursk direction, but the Russian group "North" defeated the attacking forces of the enemy, the Defense Ministry said.
— Levan Gudadze (@GudadzeLevan) January 5, 2025
"On January 5, at about 9:00 Moscow time, in order to stop the… pic.twitter.com/8zB3UEzg83
Sudzha, which was seized by Ukrainian troops during their August offensive, has remained under Kiev's control despite ongoing conflict in the region.
Ukrainian officials respond
While Ukrainian authorities provided limited details about the attack, some officials hinted at strategic gains.
"Russia is getting what it deserves," said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential administration.
Andriy Kovalenko, who leads Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, commented on the situation on Telegram, "In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them."
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Prominent pro-Russian military bloggers have admitted that Ukrainian forces are exerting significant pressure in the Kursk region.
"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," noted Rybar, a widely followed pro-Russian commentator.
