Ukraine faces setbacks as Russia regains Kursk territory
Ukrainian forces have lost over 40% of the territory they occupied in August in the Russian region of Kursk, owing to intense Russian military counterattacks, a military source in the Ukrainian general staff, cited by Reuters, reported.
According to reports, since the Kyiv troops entered the Kursk region, Russia has deployed about 59,000 soldiers there.
"At most, we controlled about 1,376 square kilometres, now of course this territory is smaller. The enemy is increasing its counterattacks," the source informed Reuters. "Now we control approximately 800 square kilometres. 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, Kyiv 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 200-300 metres daily, and in some areas, they have managed to break through using armoured vehicles supported by counter-drone defence.
The military source states that Russia currently has about 575,000 soldiers in Ukraine and aims to increase this number to 690,000.
