On January 5, 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) initiated an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia, as reported by various Telegram channels and confirmed by Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation in Ukraine.
The UAF's attack is reportedly being launched from the town of Sudzha, which has been under Ukrainian control since August. Fighting is particularly intense near the village of Berdin, close to Bolshoye Soldatskoye.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that around 9:00 AM on January 5, the UAF attempted a counterattack in the direction of Berdin with two tanks, demining vehicles, and twelve armored personnel carriers involved. The Russian military claimed that their artillery and aviation units successfully repelled the assault, destroying two tanks, a demining vehicle, and seven armored personnel carriers.
Reports from Russian sources indicate that the UAF's offensive includes armored vehicles and electronic warfare systems, which are said to be effectively countering Russian drones. The channel 'MIG Russia' noted that Ukrainian forces have achieved some local successes in the ongoing battles.
Independent verification of the situation in the Kursk region remains challenging due to the active combat operations. Since early August, Ukrainian forces have captured parts of the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting that about half of this territory has since been reclaimed by Russian troops. However, the UAF continues to hold Sudzha and approximately 500 square kilometers of territory.
In recent days, Telegram channels have circulated information about preparations for a new offensive, reportedly timed to coincide with the inauguration of the elected U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20.