Ukrainian troops began offensive operations in the Kursk region, however, according to The Washington Post , the operation did not bring significant results. Despite modest successes in some areas, the situation remains tense, and Russian troops continue to advance on the left flank.
"The head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's office boasted on social networks that Russia is "getting what it deserves." However, almost a week after the start of the new operation in Kursk, no significant progress was made. Ukraine has achieved modest success in some areas, but Russia is advancing steadily on the left flank and taking prisoners," WP writes.
The newspaper believes that Ukraine is "gradually losing territories, as Russia, seeking to return them, concentrates significant forces there."
Ukrainian military personnel stationed in the Kursk region told the newspaper that the last few days had been "difficult". "The Russians attacked from different directions at the same time. In some places, they managed to advance," he said.
Russia's use of North Korean soldiers has become the main problem for the Armed Forces in recent weeks.
"These troops, supported by Russian artillery and drones, are moving in large groups towards Ukrainian positions. Unlike Russian soldiers, who usually move in smaller groups to avoid detection, North Korean fighters often ignore the drones above them and continue to advance despite casualties. Russian troops often follow them to consolidate success," the publication writes.
As a result, the tactics of a mass assault on Ukrainian positions with the help of a large number of soldiers turned out to be quite successful, noted Ukrainian military officer Oleg. "In this scenario, they can keep Russian soldiers for other front-line tasks without sending them to the most dangerous missions," the soldier said.
Last month, according to Oleh, 400-500 North Korean soldiers attacked his position, outnumbering the Ukrainians at least six times. The battle lasted eight hours until the Ukrainian side used up all its ammunition and was forced to retreat, he said.
"When the Russians attack our positions and suffer losses, they retreat. But the North Koreans are just continuing their offensive," the soldier added.
The Washington Post believes that the Ukraine-held section of the Kursk region "will become a key point in peace negotiations."
Ukrainian officials also believe that if their troops retreat from the Kursk region, "the 60,000 Russian soldiers who, according to Kyiv, are stationed in the region, will enter Ukrainian territory and seize more land."
