Reports from independent military analysts or international organizations

Ukraine Launches Offensive in Russia's Kursk Region; Russian Forces Claim to Repel Attack

Jan 5, 2025, 10:36 AM

At about 09:00 Moscow time on January 5, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive into Russia's Kursk region, according to reports from Russian military bloggers and state media. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Ukrainian troops attempted to counterattack near the villages of Velyke Soldatske and Pushkarne, advancing from Sudzha towards Bolshoye Soldatskoye along the 38K-004 highway. Ukrainian forces reportedly employed tanks, armored vehicles, and extensive electronic warfare to disrupt Russian UAVs, clearing mines and attacking Russian positions. Russian authorities claimed to have repelled two attacks using artillery and aviation, stating that they destroyed two tanks and twelve armored vehicles. Ukrainian officials have not officially confirmed the offensive, though Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, hinted at developments in the region.