Russia has amassed tens of thousands of troops in a major effort to retake the Kursk region, which Ukraine seized following a surprise incursion in August. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi revealed on Monday that Russian forces are attempting to dislodge Ukrainian troops and push deeper into the region, which has seen significant Ukrainian control since the surprise offensive.
The Russian buildup in Kursk coincides with a spike in drone attacks, which Ukraine claims killed eight people, as well as rising tensions following President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory, which may alter U.S. policy on the war. Ukraine and its allies had anticipated a Russian counteroffensive in the area, with reports indicating the presence of North Korean troops among the Russian forces. Syrskyi emphasized the strategic importance of the region, warning that without the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers, Russia’s elite assault units could have breached key positions elsewhere on the front lines.
