NATO allies believe Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine in the Kursk region before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, reports The Telegraph.
Western diplomats caution that Putin might act swiftly to capture this area, hoping to gain leverage in future peace talks.
A report from Britain’s defense intelligence, cited by The Telegraph, suggests Russia will likely escalate kamikaze drone attacks on Ukrainian positions, launching from new sites near the border.
To bolster its control, Russia has stationed approximately 50,000 troops in the region, including North Korean soldiers.
Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi warned that “tens of thousands” of Russian troops, including elite units, are pushing to expel Ukrainian forces, signaling a possible escalation.
Analysts suggest that Russia has already recaptured about half of the Kursk territory it lost in the August offensive.
U.S. media indicate that Trump has spoken with Putin since the election, reportedly warning against further escalation, especially given North Korean military support for Russia.
While the Kremlin denied this conversation, other U.S. sources confirmed the call, noting that Putin congratulated Trump and praised his "bravery."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also congratulated Trump on his victory, encouraging the president-elect to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense.
