Ukraine captures 27 Russian soldiers amid Kursk offensive
Ukrainian armed forces in the Kursk region have captured 27 Russian soldiers. Intense fighting continues in the area. This is partly due to the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump.
The Ukrainian air assault forces reported capturing 27 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. Among those captured were officers, sergeants, and soldiers from mechanised units, naval infantry, airborne troops, and other formations.
"They found themselves in a challenging combat situation and made the wise decision to lay down their arms, which saved their lives. All the wounded received immediate first aid. We urge other Russian soldiers to surrender and not to resist," the Ukrainian armed forces stated, adding that they adhere to all norms of international humanitarian law and do not harm those who voluntarily lay down their arms.
Ukrainian armed forces continue the offensive
In early January, the Ukrainian armed forces resumed their offensive in the Kursk region on several fronts. They made progress on at least one front, as confirmed later by Russian war bloggers.
"The area is covered with some powerful electronic warfare (designed to jam drones - ed. note), nothing is flying at all. Carriers are moving, followed by tanks and armoured vehicles, about ten units," described Sergei Koliasnikov on the first day on channel Zergulio.
Later, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, confirmed the offensive. "Kursk, good news: Russia is getting what it deserves," he wrote on his Telegram channel.
At the same time, the Russian army intensified its offensive on other fronts in the Kursk region, attempting to push the Ukrainians out.
The Ukrainian armed forces entered Russian territory in early August and initially captured about 1,300 square kilometres. However, they have been systematically losing positions since then.
Waiting for Trump. Will they exchange gains?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called on the Russian army to "expel" the enemy from the Kursk region, but has not specified exact deadlines for this task. The "Economist" magazine noted that Russia intensified its offensive actions in the region by the end of 2024, which may be related to the upcoming inauguration of the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, scheduled for 20 January.
If the Russian-Ukrainian border is reached, Putin will not need to negotiate exchanging territories of the region for Ukrainian lands occupied by the Russian army. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked maintaining the foothold until Trump assumes office to use this factor in future negotiations.
