**Russian Forces Attack in Kursk Oblast for 3rd Day**
For the third day, Russian forces have been carrying out an intensive offensive in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 17 that North Korean units are actively involved in these operations.
Russian forces have deployed over 10,000 North Korean troops to help push Ukrainian forces out of the region since early August. However, according to Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, they have killed 50 and injured 47 more North Korean soldiers in just three days.
Despite this, the Ukrainian army seems to be on the back foot, facing a Russian advantage in manpower and equipment. Ukraine may lose territory it had captured earlier in the conflict, with The Economist suggesting that up to half of this land could be taken back by Russia.
**Ukraine Asks for Help**
The United Kingdom has sanctioned 20 Russian vessels and pledged £35 million (around $44 million) in aid to repair Ukraine’s energy grid. Slovakia’s state-owned energy company also called for continued gas transit through Ukraine, which is under threat due to the conflict.
In a bid to strengthen its position ahead of potential peace negotiations, Ukraine may seek to hold onto some Russian territory as a bargaining chip.
**North Korea and Russia Sanctioned**
South Korea has imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and 15 entities for their role in illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. This move comes after reports emerged that Russia is using North Korean troops to fight against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) also sentenced Russian Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, who was killed in a Moscow explosion on Dec. 17, for his use of banned chemical weapons in the country.
**Casualties and Sanctions**
Russian forces have suffered significant losses over the past few days, with over 1,600 casualties reported since yesterday alone. The conflict continues to escalate, with NATO and Russia facing off amid surging tensions.
The EU has imposed fully fledged sanctions on Chinese firms for supplying Russia’s military in its war against Ukraine. Hungary has consistently criticized these sanctions and blocked initiatives to provide aid to Kyiv.
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