Ukraine launches new attack in Kursk region, says Russia 'getting what it deserves'

NEWS WIRES

5 January 2025 at 8:55 am·1-min read

Ukraine has launched a fresh offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region, Russian officials said Sunday, months after Kyiv’s forces poured across the border in a surprise summer incursion that caught Moscow unaware.

Russia said Sunday that Ukraine had launched a "counterattack" in the western border region of Kursk, where Kyiv's forces began a shock ground offensive last August.

It was not immediately clear how much Ukraine had advanced in the region, but pro-Kremlin military bloggers reported earlier that a powerful new offensive was underway.

"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," the Russian defence ministry said.

Ukraine used two tanks, a dozen armoured vehicles and a demolition unit in the new assault, which was headed towards the village of Berdin – about 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Sudzha, the ministry said.

"The operation to destroy the Ukrainian army formations continues."

Sudzha was captured by Kyiv's forces shortly after they launched their offensive in August 2024, and they have held on to it since.

Ukrainian officials offered limited information about the offensive.

"Russia is getting what it deserves," Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said.

Both Russia and Ukraine have exchanged regular attacks since the year began.

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