Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a significant military operation in Russia’s Kursk region. He stated that Ukrainian forces are now engaging and holding down approximately 50,000 Russian troops. This operation, according to Zelensky, aims to reduce Moscow’s capacity to launch attacks within Ukraine’s borders.
In his daily address, Zelensky emphasized the purpose of this ongoing incursion. He highlighted its importance in keeping Russian forces occupied, preventing them from redirecting resources toward Ukrainian positions. Despite some skepticism from Western allies, Zelensky remains confident that the operation is achieving its intended goal.
Rising Tensions and Reports of Troop Movements
The Institute for the Study of War, a US-based non-profit, reported that Russia initially had about 11,000 troops stationed in Kursk. This was the figure when Ukraine launched its unexpected incursion into the region in August. Since then, however, Moscow has dramatically increased its troop numbers there.
Reports from the New York Times reveal that Russia has achieved this troop build-up without withdrawing forces from Ukraine. Instead, Moscow is allegedly bolstering its presence in Kursk through additional deployments, including troops from North Korea.
North Korean Troops Deployed in Support of Russia
According to sources cited by the New York Times, Russia has positioned North Korean soldiers in Kursk as part of an impending counter-offensive. North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties in recent months, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly signing a mutual defense treaty with Russia earlier this year.
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Ukraine and the United States estimate that around 10,000 North Korean troops are now stationed in Kursk. While Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied this deployment, the relationship between North Korea and Russia has visibly deepened as both nations face international isolation.
Ukraine’s Strategy to Divert Russian Forces
In his speech, Zelensky credited the operation in Kursk with limiting Russia’s offensive capabilities in Ukraine. General Oleksandr Syrskyy, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, briefed the president on the effectiveness of Ukrainian units in Kursk. He noted that without this strategic move, “tens of thousands of Russian assault units” would be actively advancing in Donetsk, a crucial conflict zone.
The Ukrainian forces’ actions in Kursk, Syrskyy said, have diverted significant Russian strength away from Donetsk. Fighting continues to rage in Donetsk, with reports of both sides accusing each other of damaging a dam near Kurakhove, a Ukrainian-held town. Russian troops are advancing slowly but steadily towards the critical city of Pokrovsk, a supply hub for Ukrainian forces.
International Reactions and Speculations
The New York Times reported that Russia’s troop build-up in Kursk allows it to maintain pressure on multiple fronts without sacrificing positions in eastern Ukraine. This assessment underlines Moscow’s growing military alliance with Pyongyang, which reportedly supplies Russia with equipment and technology in exchange for military support.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte raised concerns over North Korea receiving technology and assistance from Russia to circumvent international sanctions. This military partnership is closely monitored by Western nations as they continue to support Ukraine.
Trump’s Cautionary Call to Putin Amid Rising Tensions
Amid global scrutiny, former US President Donald Trump reportedly warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against escalating the conflict. The Washington Post reported that Trump privately conveyed his concerns in a phone call with Putin, emphasizing America’s strong military presence in Europe. However, Trump’s team has refrained from commenting on the details of the conversation, describing it as a “private call.”
With mounting speculation about Trump’s influence on international policy, the Kremlin denied the reports of any such phone call.
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