Ukraine captures 27 Russian troops in escalating Kursk conflict
Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region have captured 27 Russian soldiers amidst ongoing intense fighting. This surge in conflict comes as Donald Trump's inauguration approaches.
The Ukrainian air assault forces reported the capture of 27 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. The captives include officers, sergeants, and soldiers from mechanized units, naval infantry, airborne troops, and other formations.
"They found themselves in a challenging combat situation and made the prudent decision to lay down their arms, which ultimately saved their lives. All wounded individuals received immediate first aid. We urge other Russian soldiers to surrender and cease resistance," stated the Ukrainian armed forces, emphasizing their commitment to international humanitarian law and affirming they will not harm those who voluntarily surrender.
Ukrainian armed forces continue the offensive
In early January, the Ukrainian armed forces renewed their offensive in the Kursk region across several fronts. Progress was seen on at least one front, confirmed by Russian war bloggers.
"The area is covered with some powerful electronic warfare (designed to jam drones - ed. note), nothing is flying at all. Carriers are advancing, followed by tanks and armoured vehicles, approximately ten units in total," reported Sergei Koliasnikov on day one via the channel Zergulio.
Later, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, confirmed the offensive. "Kursk, good news: Russia is getting what it deserves," he shared on the Telegram channel.
Concurrently, the Russian army has intensified its offensive on other fronts in the Kursk region, attempting to drive out Ukrainian forces.
The Ukrainian armed forces entered Russian territory in early August, initially capturing about 1,300 square kilometres, but they have been systematically losing ground since then.
Waiting for Trump: Potential exchange of territorial gains?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly urged the Russian army to "expel" the enemy from the Kursk region but has not set specific deadlines. "The Economist" noted that Russia ramped up its offensive actions in the region by the close of 2024, possibly linked to the forthcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
If the Russian-Ukrainian border is reached, Putin may not need to negotiate exchanging parts of the region for Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked maintaining their position until Trump takes office, utilizing this as leverage in future negotiations.
