What's happened
Ukraine's military has reportedly initiated a counterattack in the Kursk region, where it has held territory since a surprise incursion last August. The situation escalates as both sides prepare for potential negotiations ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House.
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Current Military Dynamics
- Ukraine's counterattack indicates a strategic shift in its military operations.
- The focus on Kursk may be aimed at strengthening its negotiating position.
Implications for Negotiations
- Control over Kursk could influence upcoming peace talks, especially with Trump's presidency looming.
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Ukraine's position will factor into future negotiations.
Tactical Considerations
- Reports suggest Ukrainian forces have made small territorial gains, but the overall impact remains uncertain.
- Russian forces, bolstered by North Korean troops, continue to pose significant challenges to Ukrainian advances.
What the papers say
According to The Moscow Times, Ukraine's military has launched a counterattack in the Kursk region, which it has partially controlled since August 2024. The Russian defense ministry characterized these operations as a counterattack, while Ukrainian sources indicated they were conducting 'combat operations.' The South China Morning Post noted that the situation is critical for Ukraine, as it seeks to maintain leverage in potential negotiations with the incoming U.S. administration. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces have made some advances, but the overall effectiveness of these operations remains to be seen.
How we got here
Ukraine first seized parts of the Kursk region in August 2024 during a surprise incursion. Since then, it has maintained control over some areas despite ongoing Russian military efforts to reclaim territory.
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