Russia claimed on Sunday that Ukraine had initiated a “counterattack” in the western border region of Kursk, where Kyiv’s forces had launched a shock ground offensive last August.
The extent of Ukraine’s advance was unclear, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported a significant new offensive underway.
The assault comes at a pivotal moment in the nearly three-year conflict, as both sides aim to strengthen their positions before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.
“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 Ministry of Defence.
Ukraine reportedly deployed two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles, and a demolition unit towards the village of Berdin, approximately 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Sudzha.
“The operation to destroy the Ukrainian army formations continues,” it added.
Pro-Kremlin sources acknowledged mounting pressure on Russian forces but claimed Moscow was countering effectively.
“The main events of this Ukrainian offensive are clearly still ahead,” said the prominent pro-Russian Telegram channel Rybar.
Images allegedly showing Ukrainian armoured vehicles traversing snowy terrain were shared by another pro-Russian blogger, Dva Mayora.
Russians ‘Worried’
Ukrainian officials have remained largely silent on the offensive. MP Oleksiy Goncharenko questioned the need for official reports, suggesting updates come after operations are complete.
Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, expressed satisfaction, declaring that “Russia is getting what it deserves.”
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, confirmed Ukrainian activity in the area, stating, “In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them.”
Kyiv had seized dozens of villages in Kursk soon after its incursion began on August 6, 2024, but progress slowed as Moscow sent reinforcements, including North Korean troops.
President Volodymyr Zelensky credited the Kursk operation with improving Kyiv’s leverage in prisoner exchanges and diverting Russian forces from eastern Ukraine.
However, Ukrainian efforts to halt Moscow’s broader advances remain limited, with Russian territorial gains reportedly seven times higher in 2024 than in 2023.
Airports Disrupted
Both nations have continued reciprocal attacks into the new year. Russia reported downing dozens of Ukrainian drones overnight, while Kyiv accused Moscow of launching 103 drones into Ukrainian territory.
Four Russian airports briefly suspended operations on Sunday for “safety” reasons, forcing several flights to divert, according to Russia’s civil aviation authority.
