Russia Quickly Retaking Kursk

Russia is quickly retaking Kursk, territory inside Russia that Ukrainian forces took in an August offensive, cnn reported Sunday.

Why it matters: As peace talks intensify, Kursk is seen as Ukraine’s only territorial bargaining chip. If expelled from the region, Kyiv could face a more unfavorable peace deal.

Details: Sources from both sides agree that Ukraine’s hold on the region is at its weakest.

• Russia has seized several villages in Kursk in recent days, including Malaya, Cherkasskoe Porechnoe and Kositsa.
• Around 100 Russian troops used a gas pipeline on Saturday to launch a surprise attack and gain a foothold in Sudzha, a vital logistical supply route for Ukrainian forces in Kursk. Russian soldiers “wedged themselves into our combat formations,” according to Ukrainian military blogger Yuriy Butusov.

Moscow’s gains could sever Ukraine’s supply lines to the region.

North Korea: Butusov said North Korea’s 12,000 troops in the region have given Russia a “significant advantage in strength.”

When they first arrived, the unprepared North Korean troops didn’t put up much of a fight. But these soldiers attack in relentless waves, which greatly tires the opponent.

North Korean troops exhaust and push back Ukraine, then Russian soldiers arrive to secure the area.

• Butusov said Pyongyang’s troops are “attacking continuously.”
• One Ukrainian serviceman told cnn, “The Koreans keep coming.”

Coming disadvantage: Spring’s warmer weather will hurt Ukraine’s chances of holding its territory in Kursk. Right now, roads are frozen. When spring temperatures melt the ice, it muddies the roads, making them difficult to travel. This is “very favorable to the Russians,” according to Ukrainian blogger Sternenko.

I didn’t think I would ever say this. But maybe it’s time to “close the shop” from the Kursk direction. It’s hard for our guys there. … As a political bargaining card, [the campaign’s justification] is now questionable.
—Serhii Flesh, Ukrainian military radio technology expert

Ukraine has, at most, 30,000 troops in the region, according to the Institute for the Study of War, an American conflict monitor. If Russia fully retakes the region, its offensive could continue into eastern Ukraine, hurting Kyiv’s defenses.

Prophetic perspective: The Bible prophesies that Russia will soon head a massive military alliance of Asian nations. Because of this, the Trumpet warns that Moscow will likely retake several former Soviet states.

• Russia’s recent advance not only shows its prophesied aggression, but could set the stage for its seizure of more Ukrainian territory.

Learn more: Read our free booklet The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia.’