Russian Forces Repel Fresh Ukrainian Offensive in Kursk, Moscow Says

Moscow also says that its forces have captured Kurakhove in the Donetsk region, paving the way for a final assault on the strategic town of Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian servicemen operate a Soviet-made T-72 tank in the Sumy region of Ukraine, near the border with Russia, on Aug. 12, 2024. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images

Russian troops backed by aircraft and artillery have repelled a fresh Ukrainian offensive in Russia’s western Kursk region, according to Moscow’s defense ministry.

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralize an enemy group which broke into the territory of Kursk region,” the ministry said in a Jan. 5 statement.