In a major military build-up Vladimir Putin has positioned 50‚000 troops including North Korean forces near Kursk aiming to reclaim territory before Donald Trump takes office in jan-2025
Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that elite Russian units are now attacking Ukrainian positions; intel suggests about 12000 North Korean soldiers joined the offensive (which marks the biggest counter-attack since summer)
tens of thousands of enemy soldiers from the best Russian shock units
Western analysis shows Russiaʼs progress in oct-2024 was the most significant since mid-22; theyʼre now targeting key-points like Pokrovsk - a vital supply hub thats crucial for Ukraineʼs defense network. Russian forces are moving through weak spots in Ukrainian lines while Kyivʼs troops face equipment shortages
- Multiple cities under attack including Mykolaiv
- At least 6 civilian casualties reported
- Increased drone strikes from both sides
- Russian advances from three directions near Kurakhove
British defense reports indicate a 35% increase in kamikaze-drone launches with new sites being set-up near the border. The Kremlins push seems timed with Trumpʼs upcoming presidency; western diplomats think Putin wants better position for future talks
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone operation against Moscow while Russia claims it shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk and Belgorod regions. Local sources say some Russians who left Sudzha held an un-approved protest asking for home-loss compensation