Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Feb. 3 named Ukraine’s operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and strikes against military facilities deep inside Russian territory as Kyiv’s key battlefield priorities.
“We continue effectively destroying Russia’s military facilities to reduce its strike potential. We are destroying Russian forces both in Ukraine and Russia,” Syrskyi wrote on social media.
The commander outlined Ukraine’s key priorities, including holding defensive lines, preventing Russian advances, and enhancing the use of unmanned systems.
“On the ground, first of all, we saturate units holding the defenses at the front line with personnel and equipment,” Syrskyi said. He stressed the need to improve recruitment and psychological support for soldiers and better integrate newcomers from training centers before they undertake combat missions.
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes on Russian oil facilities in the past weeks, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies to the Russian military and weaken Moscow’s energy export revenues. Oil profits remain a key source of funding for Russia’s war effort.
In Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces have been holding positions since the start of the cross-border incursion in August 2024, reportedly seizing around 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory.
While Ukraine has since then lost roughly half of the captured area, fighting continues as Kyiv seeks to leverage its presence in Kursk Oblast in potential negotiations.
Syrskyi also highlighted the importance of strengthening military training and improving recruitment and psychological support for troops. He also reported progress in reforming the Armed Forces’ organizational structure, including a shift to a corps-based system.
Syrskyi earlier described Russia’s ongoing offensive as “one of the most powerful” since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Despite persistent attacks, Russian forces have not achieved a significant breakthrough, though Ukrainian defenses remain under pressure across multiple sectors.
“February will not be easy for our troops, but Russia will also have a hard time. I have assigned tasks to the relevant commands and military authorities,” Syrskyi added.
The Kursk operation, long-range strikes in Russia, has been a topic of concern for Ukraine as tensions continue to rise in the region. In a recent statement, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Syrskyi outlined the country’s priorities in response to the escalating situation.
Syrskyi emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong defensive posture while also being prepared to take offensive action if necessary. He highlighted the need for increased coordination with NATO allies and other international partners to ensure a unified response to any potential threats.
The Defense Minister also stressed the importance of modernizing Ukraine’s military capabilities, including investing in advanced long-range strike capabilities to deter aggression from Russia. He emphasized the need for a robust and agile defense force that can effectively respond to any threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, Ukraine remains vigilant and prepared to defend itself against any potential threats. The Kursk operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the country, but Syrskyi’s outline of priorities underscores Ukraine’s commitment to ensuring its security and stability in the face of external threats.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Competing claims emerged over a deadly attack on a boarding school in Sudzha, a city in Russia’s Kursk region that has been under Ukrainian control for five months, with Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of carrying out the strike.
The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces said Saturday night that four people were killed and a further four seriously wounded in the strike, with 84 people rescued by Ukrainian servicemen from the rubble of the building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Moscow had bombed the boarding school where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate.
The General Staff said those in need of additional medical assistance were evacuated to medical facilities in Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed in the early hours of Sunday that it was Ukrainian forces that had launched a missile strike on the school, saying that the missiles were launched from Ukraine’s Sumy region.
Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian missile strike on an apartment block in the Ukrainian city of Poltava on Saturday rose to 14, including two children, local officials said Sunday. Seventeen people were injured in the attack on the five-story building, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said.
Moscow sent 55 drones into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, Ukrainian officials said. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 40 drones were destroyed during the overnight attacks. A further 13 drones were “lost”, likely having been electronically jammed.
Two people were wounded in a drone attack in the Kharkiv region, regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said Sunday.
In Russia, the Defense Ministry said that five Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in five regions of western Russia: three over the Kursk region, and one each over the Belgorod and Bryansk regions.
A man was killed in a drone strike in the Belgorod region, regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
In a recent incident that has heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, both countries are trading blame over an attack on a boarding school in Russia’s Kursk region. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning, resulted in the death of several students and teachers, as well as the destruction of the school building.
Russian authorities have accused Ukrainian forces of carrying out the attack, citing evidence of missile fragments and other military equipment found at the scene. They have called the incident a “terrorist act” and have vowed to retaliate against those responsible.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack and has accused Russia of fabricating evidence to frame them. Ukrainian officials have called for an independent investigation into the incident and have called on the international community to condemn Russia’s actions.
The attack on the boarding school in the Kursk region has further escalated tensions between Russia and Ukraine, which have been at odds since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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Russia, Ukraine, attack, boarding school, Kursk region, blame, conflict, international relations, Russia-Ukraine tensions, school violence, diplomatic tensions
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Moscow has bombed a boarding school in Ukrainian-occupied Russia where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate.
The Ukrainian army said four people were killed and dozens – many of them elderly – were injured in the town of Sudzha in the Kursk region, which has been under Ukrainian control for five months.
More than 80 people are reported to have been rescued from the building.
The BBC has not been able to confirm Ukraine’s claim that it was a deliberate Russian attack using a guided aerial bomb. Moscow blamed Ukraine for the bombing.
Zelensky posted on X that the incident exposed Russia as “a state devoid of civility”.
“This is how Russia wages war – Sudzha, Kursk region, Russian territory, a boarding school with civilians preparing to evacuate,” he wrote.
“A Russian aerial bomb. They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there.”
The Ukrainian army’s general staff posted on Telegram that four people had died and that 84 civilians were rescued, adding that “the strike was carried out on purpose”.
For its part, the Russian defence ministry said Ukraine carried out Saturday’s attack, which it described as a targeted missile strike.
Ukraine launched a lightning thrust into the Russian oblast of Kursk last August, taking Russian border guards by surprise.
The government in Kyiv made it clear at the time that it had no intention of holding on to the territory seized, merely to use it as a bargaining chip in future peace negotiations.
Zelensky likened Saturday’s strike to “how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago. They killed Syrians the same way. Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes the same way”.
In a tragic turn of events, Ukraine has reported that four people have been killed in a Russian strike on a school in Kursk. This devastating attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between the two countries and the toll it is taking on innocent civilians.
The victims of this senseless act of violence were simply trying to go about their daily lives when they were caught in the crossfire of this conflict. As the death toll continues to rise and the humanitarian crisis deepens, it is clear that the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is more urgent than ever.
Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this attack, and we call for an immediate end to the violence in Ukraine. It is time for all parties involved to come to the table and find a diplomatic solution to this crisis before more innocent lives are lost. #PrayForUkraine #EndTheViolence
Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a deadly missile strike that killed at least four people in the dormitory of a boarding school situated in a part of Russia’s Kursk region held by Ukrainian forces.
Some of the war’s fiercest battles in recent months have been taking place in the Kursk region that borders Ukraine, where Kyiv forces have held swathes of the land since staging a major cross-border incursion last August.
Ukraine’s armed forces said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia launched an aerial bomb from Russian territory that struck a boarding school in Sudzha, killing at least four. The boarding school housed people preparing for evacuation.
As of 10pm (2000 GMT) on Saturday, 84 people had been rescued or received medical assistance, the statement said. Four of the injured were in a serious condition. Rescue efforts to clear rubble were proceeding.
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the attack on Sudzha, about 7.5 miles (12km) from the border with Ukraine, showed how Russia fights the war.
“They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “This is how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago. They killed Syrians the same way. Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes the same way.”
Russia’s defence ministry said early on Sunday on Telegram that Ukraine’s forces launched “a targeted missile strike on a boarding school in the city of Sudzha” from the territory of Ukraine.
Russia’s acting governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Khinshtein, also blamed Kyiv forces for the strike and said there was no reliable information yet about the number of potential victims.
A Ukrainian military spokesperson, Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, had earlier said in a video posted on Facebook that nearly 100 people were under rubble at the site, which he said housed mostly elderly and infirm people.
Reuters was not able to verify the claims by either side independently, and the scope of the attack remained unclear.
Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched with its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Thousands of civilians, however, have been killed, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.
On October 14th, Ukraine and Russia found themselves at odds once again as a missile strike killed at least four people in a school in Kursk. Both countries have pointed fingers at each other, with Ukraine accusing Russia of orchestrating the attack and Russia denying any involvement.
The missile strike has further heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, who have been embroiled in a long-standing conflict over territory and political influence. The casualties in the Kursk school tragedy have only added fuel to the fire, with both sides vowing to retaliate and seek justice for the victims.
As the international community watches with growing concern, the blame game between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of abating. The tragic incident in Kursk serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of their relationship and the potential for further violence and bloodshed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and we can only hope for a swift resolution to this escalating crisis. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. #Ukraine #Russia #Kursk #MissileStrike #Conflict #Tensions
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Russia’s military said Monday that its forces regained control of Nikolayevo-Darino, a small village captured by Ukrainian troops during their cross-border offensive into the southwestern Kursk region last year.
Moscow was caught off guard when Kyiv launched its incursion in early August but has steadily clawed back territory, halting Ukraine’s advance and rushing reinforcements to the area — including thousands of troops from its ally North Korea.
“During offensive operations, units of the ‘North’ group of troops liberated the settlement of Nikolayevo-Darino,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said.
Nikolayevo-Darino is a tiny village with a population of less than 150 people. It sits directly on the border.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from the Kursk region since Ukraine launched its incursion, while many others are trapped in Kyiv-held territory. Ukraine says it is providing safe passage to Russians in territory it controls.
A Ukrainian army source told AFP in November that Kyiv still controlled 800 square kilometers (300 square miles) of the Russian border region, down from previous claims it controlled almost 1,400 square kilometers.
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The Russian Army has successfully retaken control of a border village in the Kursk Region, following a fierce battle with rebel forces. The village, which had been under rebel control for several months, is strategically located near the border with Ukraine.
The operation to retake the village was carried out swiftly and efficiently by Russian forces, with air support from helicopters and fighter jets. The rebels, who had been using the village as a base to launch attacks on Russian military positions, were quickly overwhelmed and forced to retreat.
The successful recapture of the village is a major victory for the Russian Army, and a significant blow to the rebel forces operating in the region. The operation demonstrates the strength and determination of the Russian military in safeguarding the country’s borders and maintaining stability in the region.
The residents of the village are now being provided with humanitarian aid and support to help them rebuild their lives following the conflict. The Russian Army is committed to restoring peace and security in the region, and will continue to take decisive action against any threats to the country’s sovereignty.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported significant losses among Russian and North Korean forces during recent clashes in Russia’s southern Kursk region.
“In battles yesterday and today near a single village, Makhnovka, in Kursk region, the Russian army lost up to a battalion of North Korean infantry soldiers and Russian paratroops,” Zelensky said in his evening address on Jan. 4, citing information from Ukraine’s top commander.
He added that “this is significant.” While Zelensky did not share further details, a battalion typically consists of several hundred troops.
In late 2024, Zelensky also called on China to use its influence over North Korea to prevent the deployment of North Korean soldiers to the front line.
“The Korean people should not lose their people in battles in Europe. And this can be influenced, in particular, by Korea’s neighbors, in particular, China. If China is sincere in its statements that the war should not expand, appropriate influence on Pyongyang is necessary,” Zelensky said.
Russia has stationed approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region to assist in ousting Ukrainian forces. The first confirmed battles between Ukrainian and North Korean units occurred on Nov. 5.
Ukraine first began its surprise incursion into Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6. Ukrainian forces have been fighting to hold onto territory in the region ever since in hopes it can be used as a bargaining chip in future negotiations with Russia.
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that Russian and North Korean forces have suffered heavy losses in Russia’s Kursk region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has escalated to new heights, with reports of intense fighting and casualties on both sides.
Zelensky’s announcement comes as a shock to many, as the involvement of North Korean forces in the conflict was previously unknown. The Ukrainian president has called for international support in condemning the aggression of these foreign forces and ensuring the safety and sovereignty of Ukraine.
The situation in the Kursk region remains volatile, with no end in sight to the bloodshed and devastation. As the world watches with bated breath, it is clear that the conflict in Ukraine is far from over. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
South Korean intelligence confirmed that Ukrainian forces captured a wounded North Korean soldier during operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Yonhap reported on Dec. 27, citing the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The confirmation followed a report on the capture from Ukraine’s military-focused news outlet Militarnyi on Dec. 26, though it did not specify the date of the incident.
“Through real-time information sharing with a friendly nation’s intelligence organization, (we) confirmed the capture of a wounded North Korean soldier and plan to thoroughly examine the subsequent development,” the NIS said.
A photo of the soldier, reportedly injured, has circulated on Telegram, though details about his condition and status remain unclear.
North Korean troops deployed in Kursk Oblast continue to face significant losses. Approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been stationed there since August to bolster Russian forces.
Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka on Dec. 20 inflicted heavy casualties, including the destruction of a North Korean mortar unit, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR).
Despite mounting casualties, Russian officers have ordered North Korean units to maintain their positions. HUR also reported severe logistical challenges for these troops, including a lack of drinking water due to active hostilities.
Seoul confirms Ukrainian capture of wounded North Korean soldier in Kursk Oblast
In a shocking turn of events, Seoul has confirmed that a wounded North Korean soldier was captured by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast. The soldier was reportedly found in a critical condition after sustaining injuries in the conflict zone.
This incident has raised concerns about the escalating tensions between North Korea and Ukraine, as well as the potential involvement of other countries in the conflict. The captured soldier is currently receiving medical treatment, and his condition is said to be stable.
The South Korean government has expressed its deep concern over the situation and is closely monitoring the developments. The international community has also been urged to take immediate action to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence.
As more details emerge, it is clear that the situation in Kursk Oblast is becoming increasingly volatile. The capture of the North Korean soldier has added a new dimension to the conflict, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the days to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Seoul, Ukrainian, North Korean soldier, wounded, capture, Kursk Oblast, international news, conflict, military, diplomacy, border skirmish
