Ukraine built strong defenses in Kursk, Russian attacks are ineffective and they suffer heavy losses

Ukrainian military analyst Vasyl Pekhnio noted that in five months of the Kursk operation, Ukrainian forces established a robust defense system.

"Over five months of the Kursk operation, Ukrainian forces established a defensive system where Russian advances are minimal and come at a high cost, especially since this is not Ukrainian territory. Key strongholds, such as Sudzha and Malaya Loknya, remain firmly held. For nearly half a year, the Russians have been unable to breach Sudzha," noted Pekhno on Espreso TV.

According to the military expert, the fourth wave of Russian offensives in the Kursk region is underway, significantly outnumbering Ukraine's counteroffensive actions that took place last week. There are no official statements yet regarding the developments in the region. It is likely an improvement of Ukraine's tactical positions in certain settlements, although it could alsobe a countermeasure aimed at disrupting the latest Russian offensive wave, preventing the Russians from sustaining their current level of assault activity.

"Russians will definitely not take Sudzha, as even their advances east of the city have been repelled by our assault units. There's now another security buffer around Sudzha," emphasized Pekhnio.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian forces had sustained significant losses over five months of fighting in Russia's Kursk region.

"During the Kursk operation, the enemy has already lost 38,000 of their soldiers in this direction alone, with nearly 15,000 of these losses being irreversible," Zelensky added. He did not provide evidence to support the figures he cited for Russian casualties. Since the start of the Kursk incursion, Russia has also lost over 3,000 pieces of equipment and vehicles, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces claimed.

This reportedly included 104 tanks, 575 armored vehicles, 330 artillery systems, 12 air defense systems, 12 multiple-launch rocket systems, a plane, and three helicopters, among others.Ukrainian forces had also taken 860 Russian soldiers as prisoners, which helped to facilitate exchanges and release of Ukrainian captives, according to the General Staff.

The Kursk region lies on the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, which has been experiencing daily attacks since Russian troops were pushed out of the oblast and back across the border in April 2022.

Ukrainian forces launched a large-scale operation in the Kursk region in early August, capturing sections of the territory. However, the Russian military claims it has regained control over much of that land. On Jan. 5, Ukraine reported initiating a new offensive in the area but shared limited information about it.

Reports from Ukrainian and Western sources suggest that around 11,000 North Korean troops are aiding Russian forces in the region. Russia has not confirmed or denied their involvement.