Ukrainian forces have inflicted over 38,000 casualties on Russian troops during a five-month operation in Russia's Kursk region, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on January 6.
“The operation by Ukraine’s Defense Forces in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation is a continuation of efforts to resist Russian aggression and protect our independence,” stated the General Staff wrote in a Facebook post. “For the first time in 11 years of war, combat has moved onto Russian territory.”
According to the General Staff, the operation was launched on August 6, 2024. It was aimed at preventing a potential Russian advance into Ukraine's Sumy region and to establish a buffer zone along the border.
To counter Ukraine's offensive, Russia has deployed some of its most experienced forces to the region, including airborne troops, marines, and special forces.
In addition, Russia has reportedly called for reinforcements from North Korea, which sent approximately 12,000 soldiers. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 4,000 of these troops have been neutralized, with some units reportedly losing their combat effectiveness.
“Despite the concentration of elite units, Ukrainian forces have continued to inflict heavy losses,” the General Staff noted. “Over 2,000 Ukrainian soldiers have received state honors for their efforts during the operation.”
Ukrainian Defense Forces previously launched attacks on multiple fronts in the Kursk region, catching Russian forces by surprise and securing key advances.
