Ukraine launches new offensive in Kursk Oblast, Russian media claims, Kyiv yet to confirm
Ukraine’s armed forces have reportedly launched a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Russian media claimed on Feb. 6.
According to Russian military bloggers, Ukrainian forces allegedly attacked southeast of Sudzha, advancing toward the settlements of Fanaseevka and Ulanok.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine deployed up to two mechanized battalions for the offensive. As a result of alleged fighting, a gas pipeline was damaged in the Rylskyi district, Kursk Governor Alexander Khinshtein said.
Ukrainian officials have not commented on the reported offensive.
The possible operation follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks on Feb. 5 that Ukraine’s presence in Kursk Oblast could play an “important part” in future negotiations to end Russia’s war.
Since August 2024, Ukrainian forces have maintained positions in Kursk Oblast following a cross-border incursion that initially captured about 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory. While Kyiv has lost roughly half of that area since then, combat operations continue.
Over six months of fighting in the region, Russian losses have reached nearly 40,000 personnel, including over 16,000 killed, Ukraine’s General Staff reported on Feb. 6.
Ukraine aims to use its foothold in Kursk Oblast as leverage in potential peace talks while continuing to target Russian military positions in the region.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy