Kursk Gains Shrink due to Russian and North Korean Troops
Russia is retaking territory from Ukrainian forces in its western Kursk region, according to new assessments, as the U.S. says it expects North Korean reinforcements to arrive soon.
A U.S. think tank said on Saturday that Moscow’s troops have recently advanced into the Ukrainian-held area of Kursk.
Since the start of full-scale war in February 2022, Ukraine has advanced more significantly into Russian territory than any other country since World War II, including launching a surprise incursion into Kursk in early August.
Ukrainian forces concentrated their efforts near Sudzha, which Kyiv claimed just over a week after the incursion started, and toward Kore Nevo. Ukrainian forces still hold Sudha, which Russia regained near Kore Nevo.
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Russian forces have advanced to the southeast of Kore Nevo in recent days, according to the ISW.
Reuters reported on Saturday that Ukraine lost 40% of its territory in Kursk, citing an unnamed senior military source.
According to the source, Ukrainian forces once controlled 531 square miles but now control approximately 309 square miles.
Sources said Moscow has deployed just under 60,000 troops to Kursk, adding that its counterattacks are intensifying.
50,000 Russian troops are believed to be fighting at Kursk according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Approximately 45,000 of Moscow’s soldiers are in the region, but Kyiv’s top soldier says more are being sent.
Russia has launched counteroffensives over the last few months to tear down Kyiv’s position.
While Russia has made gains in the east, toward the strategic transit hub of Pokrovsk, it has been slow to push opposition forces back to the border.
North Korean soldiers are reported to have been sent to Kursk to support the Russian war effort by U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence. It has been reported that the fighters are dressed in Russian military uniforms.
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Syrskyi told Telegram in early November that “Russian troops are not enough” for Kursk operations. It’s an effort to attract North Korean troops.”
North Korean soldiers have so far engaged in “small-scale clashes” with Ukrainian forces, according to Ukraine’s defense minister.
Earlier this month, Zelensky said, “North Korean soldiers have opened a new chapter of instability.” Efforts must be made to thwart any further Russian expansion.
Earlier this week, officials in Ukraine reported seeing North Korean troops along the Russian border.
According to Andriy Kovalenko of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, “part of the DPRK’s military was transferred to Belgorod’s border areas.” No independent confirmation was available.
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