On January 6th, Ukraine continued its assault in the region of Kursk, amidst statements from Kyiv claiming significant Russian losses. At the same time, Moscow announced its forces had gained control of a pivotal town in eastern Ukraine. Both sides are strategizing for potential positions in case of any upcoming ceasefire discussions.
The Institute for the Study of War, based in the U.S., released a report on January 5th stating that Ukrainian forces have renewed their offensive tactics in at least three different directions within the Kursk region, making “tactical advances.”
The extent of the current offensive and its potential impact on the front line remain uncertain. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Ukraine’s position in Kursk is crucial for any prospective peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Blinken highlighted during a visit to Seoul on January 6th that Ukraine’s position in Kursk is significant as it will play a role in any potential negotiations in the upcoming year.
Reports from both Ukrainian military agencies and Russian bloggers indicate intense fighting in Kursk, where Ukrainian forces initiated an unexpected incursion on August 6th. Since then, they have managed to withstand Russian efforts to completely oust them.
Yan Matveyev, a Russian military analyst, informed RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service on January 6th that the renewed Kursk operation is likely aimed at achieving short-term goals rather than long-term objectives.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, stated that there was “good news from the Kursk region” and that Russia was “getting what it deserves.”
Russian pro-war accounts on Telegram reported that the attack was conducted using armored vehicles, mine-clearing vehicles, and electronic warfare systems, effectively countering Russian drones.
Despite the Russian forces being backed by thousands of North Korean soldiers, they have been unsuccessful in fully removing Ukrainian troops.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia has suffered 38,000 losses in five months of fighting in the Kursk region, with nearly 15,000 of these losses being “irrecoverable.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated its troops had secured the Ukrainian town of Kurakhove, a strategic logistics hub targeted by Russian forces for several months.
These developments occur just before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, who has previously stated that ending the war in Ukraine would be a priority for his first day in office.
Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s incoming envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has been tasked with leading negotiations to end the war and stated that potential ceasefire talks could commence once Trump assumes office.
Secretary Blinken did not comment on the actual operations by the Ukrainian troops in Kursk, but he did say that if and when talks finally start, Kyiv would still need “adequate security assurances” against Putin.
