soldiers are being pulverised in Kursk region, with an entire military battalion – including large numbers of troops – “eliminated”, Ukrainian President has claimed.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of ’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, has said his country caught Putin’s forces unawares with “surprise attacks”, while Andrii Yermak, an advisor to Mr Zelensky, said was “getting what it deserves”.
Since autumn 2024, has conducted significant cross-border operations into ‘s Kursk region. In early August, Ukrainian forces advanced approximately 18 miles (30 kilometres) into Russian territory, seizing over 745 square miles (1,200 square kilometres) and capturing 93 villages.
The offensive marked ‘s first substantial incursion into since the conflict began, compelling Moscow to declare a state of emergency and evacuate nearly 200,000 residents from border areas.
During his regular televised address last night, Mr Zelensky said he had received a detailed briefing from four-star general Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of .
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Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin (Image: GETTY)
He added: “Fierce battles continue along the entire front line, with the hottest spot being near Pokrovsk.
“The occupier continues to waste an insane number of its people in assaults. And I thank each and every one of our units, all our brigades defending Ukrainian positions and eliminating the occupier.
“The Commander-in-Chief also reported on the situation in the Kursk region.
“Specifically, in battles today and yesterday near just one village – Makhnovka in the Kursk region – the Russian army lost up to a battalion of infantry, including North Korean soldiers and Russian paratroopers. And that’s tangible.”
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A clip shows Storm Shadow missile strikes in Kursk region in November (Image: Will Stewart)
A battalion typically consists of several hundred soldiers.
Posting on Telegram, Mr Kovalenko said: “The Russians in Kursk are experiencing great anxiety because they were attacked from several directions and it came as a surprise to them. The defence forces are working.”
Mr Yermak commented: ” is getting what it deserves.”
Nevertheless, Russian pressure is slowly mounting on , with Ukrainian military analyst Taras Chmut warning Putin’s army is seizing around 12 miles (20 square kilometres) of land daily.
advanced by almost 1,500 square miles (4,000 square kilometres) in last year, seven times more than in 2023, raising the prospect of a decisive victory in 2025.
In a televised interview, Mr Zelensky said: “”We will do everything to stabilise the front in January.”
Referring to the US President-elect, he added: “I think Putin is afraid of Trump.”
He stressed Mr Trump could be “decisive” in ending the war.