Ukrainian forces have managed to halt a Russian offensive in the Kursk region despite a difficult situation caused by the lack of United States military aid. Reports from the Financial Times indicate that Ukraine was forced to retreat from some of the Russian territory it had previously captured, but a relentless campaign of attack drone strikes has played a crucial role in stabilising the front.
The Russian army intensified its assault in Kursk over the weekend, threatening to cut off the corridor between Ukrainian-controlled territory and the town of Sudzha. This town, captured by Ukraine in August last year, is just ten kilometres from the Ukrainian border and sits on the P200 highway, a key route that once linked Russia and Ukraine. It is also home to one of Russia’s major gas export measuring stations for supplies to the European Union.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that control over Kursk is a key bargaining tool in any future negotiations with Moscow. However, Russian and North Korean forces have steadily chipped away at Ukrainian-held positions since August 2024, reducing the area controlled by Kyiv’s forces by nearly two-thirds. The situation has been described as critical, with Ukrainian military blogger Bogdan Miroshnikov warning that immediate action is needed to secure supply routes.
Despite the loss of territory, Ukrainian forces have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of mounting challenges. Ukrainian troops now rely heavily on drones rather than traditional artillery or armoured vehicles. Denis Yaroslavsky, commander of the 57th Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, stated that modern warfare has shifted significantly, with drones becoming more essential than tanks or armoured personnel carriers. This shift in tactics has helped Ukraine maintain pressure on Russian forces and prevent further territorial losses.
The Financial Times also reported that constant Ukrainian drone strikes have disrupted Russian advances across multiple areas of the front. While months of Russian offensives have caused substantial Ukrainian casualties, the sheer scale of Russian losses has weakened Moscow’s ability to sustain attacks. One Ukrainian official described the current stabilisation as a temporary victory, noting that Russian troops are likely to regroup and launch another wave of assaults.
In a separate report, Reuters revealed that Russian special forces attempted a surprise attack using a gas pipeline in Kursk. Their objective was to push Ukrainian troops out of the western part of the region. Additionally, the Ukrainian analysis group DeepState reported that North Korean soldiers are now playing a significant role in Russian operations near Sudzha, suggesting that Moscow is increasingly relying on foreign fighters to replenish its ranks.
Although the Ukrainian military faces serious supply constraints due to the suspension of US military aid, the dominance of drone warfare has prevented an immediate collapse of the front lines. Ukrainian forces continue to show resilience. The battle for Kursk remains precarious, with the Kremlin determined to press forward despite its heavy losses.
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