Ukraine’s armed forces have inflicted massive losses on Russia in the Kursk region over the past six months, according to a new report from Ukraine’s General Staff, cited by The Kyiv Independent. With nearly 40,000 Russian troops killed, wounded, or captured, Kyiv has managed to disrupt Russia’s war efforts.
Since August 2024, Ukraine has maintained a foothold in Kursk Oblast following a cross-border operation. Initially, they seized around 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory, though they have since lost roughly half of it to Russian counterattacks.
However, the fighting continues, and Ukraine is now leveraging its presence in Kursk as a strategic bargaining chip in future negotiations to end the war.
Russian Forces Suffer Heavy Losses
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the massive casualties have forced Russia to divert troops and resources to Kursk, weakening its positions on other frontlines.
Nearly 40,000 Russian soldiers have been lost in the fighting, including 16,000 killed. On top of that, Ukrainian forces have captured 909 Russian soldiers, further strengthening Ukraine’s leverage in potential prisoner exchanges.
The Ukrainian offensive has been described as an example of asymmetric warfare, where a smaller force, using tactical surprise and maneuverability, can inflict severe damage on a numerically superior enemy. This strategy has proven effective, allowing Ukraine to weaken Russian defenses while maintaining pressure along other parts of the front.
North Korea Enters the War, but Pays a Heavy Price
The war has also drawn North Korea into the conflict, with reports indicating that Pyongyang deployed around 12,000 soldiers to Kursk in support of Russia. However, their involvement has turned into a disaster.
Approximately 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed in battle, and one of the three North Korean brigades has been "effectively destroyed." The other two brigades have lost significant combat capability, forcing Pyongyang’s forces to withdraw from the front lines by mid-January.
Despite the withdrawal, there is still uncertainty over North Korea’s future role in the war. While some reports suggest that North Korean troops have completely pulled out of combat, Ukraine’s military intelligence is working to determine whether this is a permanent withdrawal or merely a temporary tactical pause. The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine has raised international concerns, as their involvement marks an escalation in foreign military assistance to Russia.
A Key Factor in Future Peace Talks?
On February 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Kursk operation could become a crucial factor in negotiations to end the war. By forcing Russia to divert troops to Kursk, while battles continue in Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine has possibly created a strategic dilemma for Moscow that could shift the course of the war.
While Ukraine has gained tactical advantages in Kursk, the situation remains unpredictable.
Russia may choose to reinforce its presence in the region or retaliate elsewhere. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether North Korea will recommit troops to the battlefield or if Pyongyang has lost confidence in Russia’s ability to turn the war in its favor.
