Ukraine loses ground in Kursk amid Russian counterattacks
Ukrainian forces have lost over 40% of the territory they occupied in August in the Russian region of Kursk due to intense Russian military counterattacks, a military source in the Ukrainian general staff, cited by Reuters, reported.
7:03 AM EST, November 24, 2024
According to reports, since the Kiev troops entered the Kursk region, Russia has deployed about 59,000 soldiers there.
"At most, we controlled about 531 square miles; now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source informed Reuters. "Now we control approximately 309 square miles. We will hold this territory for as long as is militarily appropriate," added the informant from the Ukrainian general staff.
The offensive in Kursk aimed to curb Russian attacks in eastern and northeastern Ukraine and force Moscow to withdraw its gradually advancing forces in the east of the country. In this way, Kiev also wants to secure an advantage in future peace negotiations.
A source in the Ukrainian general staff also reported the arrival of about 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region to support Russia. Most of them are still completing their training.
The most dangerous area for Ukraine currently is the region of Kurakhove. Russian forces are advancing there by 656 to 984 feet daily, and in some locations, they have managed to break through using armored vehicles supported by counter-drone defense.
The military source states that Russia currently has about 575,000 soldiers in Ukraine and is aiming to increase this number to 690,000.
