Ukraine has launched a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, the Russian defence ministry reported on Sunday, describing ongoing efforts to repel Ukrainian attack groups. Ukrainian officials also hinted at an operation in progress.
The assault marks another escalation in the conflict, with the Kursk region having been a site of sporadic hostilities since Ukraine’s initial incursion in August last year. During that operation, Ukrainian forces captured territory in the area but have faced significant pushback from Russian troops in recent months.
In a statement posted on Telegram, Russia’s defence ministry detailed a Ukrainian counter-attack involving two tanks, a counter-obstacle vehicle, and 12 armoured fighting vehicles. The attack reportedly originated from Sudzha, targeting villages like Berdin and Bolshoye Soldatskoye en route to Kursk city.
Ukrainian officials celebrated the developments. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office, called it “good news from the Kursk region,” while Andriy Kovalenko, a top counter-disinformation official, stated that the attack had caught Russian forces by surprise and left them “in great anxiety.”
Speculations on the Offensive
While some analysts and Russian military bloggers see the operation as diversionary, others believe it may be a precursor to larger actions elsewhere. Ukrainian forces are reportedly facing manpower shortages and losing ground in eastern Ukraine, raising questions about their capacity for sustained offensives.
Drone Attacks on Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Air Force reported that Russia launched another drone attack overnight. Sixty-one drones were intercepted over several regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy. While there were no direct hits, a few houses in Kharkiv sustained damage from falling debris.
Background and Regional Tensions
The Kursk region has been a hotspot of conflict since last year’s surprise Ukrainian offensive, which advanced up to 30km into Russian territory and displaced nearly 200,000 civilians. At its peak, Ukrainian forces claimed control of 1,200 sq km and 93 villages, though much of this territory has since been reclaimed by Russia.
This latest offensive underscores the fluid and unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict, with both sides grappling for strategic advantage.
