**Ukraine Loses Ground in Kursk Oblast**
Ukraine has lost control of over 40% of the territory it gained in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. This is due to Russian counterattacks, according to a source in Ukraine’s General Staff.
The source told Reuters that Ukraine controlled around 1,376 square kilometers in early August. However, after a series of counterattacks by Russia, the territory under Ukrainian control has been reduced to approximately 800 square kilometers.
**Russian Counteroffensive**
Russia has launched extensive counterattacks in an effort to take back the region. NATO allies believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aiming to recapture territory lost in Kursk Oblast before US President-elect Donald Trump‘s inauguration on January 20.
The source added that nearly 60,000 Russian army personnel are currently stationed in Kursk Oblast, planning to reach the border with Sumy Oblast. This is seen as an attempt to create a “buffer zone” there, similar to what Ukraine had planned for Kursk Oblast.
**Russian Military Presence**
It has been reported that about 11,000 North Korean soldiers have joined the counteroffensive in Kursk. However, this information could not be verified by The Kyiv Independent.
Russia has also intensified its attacks along the eastern front in recent weeks, putting Ukrainian forces under mounting pressure. It is estimated that almost 580,000 Russian soldiers are participating in combat against Ukraine.
**Support for Journalism**
The Kyiv Independent relies on reader support to keep their reporting free and accessible to everyone. For their third birthday, they are looking for 1,000 new members to help fund their mission and prepare for what 2025 might bring.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com