December 26th 2024.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in the Kursk region of Russia, Ukrainian military intelligence has reported that North Korean troops are facing heavy losses and logistical difficulties due to Ukrainian attacks. According to the intelligence agency, known as GUR, Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka have caused significant casualties among North Korean units. Additionally, the North Korean troops are reportedly facing supply issues and even shortages of drinking water.
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that the fighting in the Kursk region has resulted in 3,000 North Korean casualties, both killed and wounded. This is the first official estimate given by Ukraine, several weeks after it was announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to aid in the ongoing war.
The disclosure of North Korean casualties comes at a crucial time as the Biden administration is pushing to send more military aid to Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. The Ukrainian forces launched an attack into the Kursk region in August, dealing a significant blow to Russia's reputation and forcing them to redirect some of their troops from eastern Ukraine, where they were engaged in a slow-moving offensive.
Despite some territory being reclaimed by the Russian army, Ukrainian forces have proven to be a formidable opponent and have not been fully dislodged. In response, Russia has resorted to using cruise missiles and drones to target Ukraine's power grid and other infrastructure in an attempt to break their resistance. On Christmas morning, 78 missiles and 106 drones were launched, with Ukraine's air force claiming to have intercepted 59 missiles and 54 drones, as well as jamming 52 other drones.
In the latest attack on Thursday, Russia used 31 exploding drones, with 20 being shot down and 11 being jammed before reaching their target. The Ukrainian air force reported that a central market in Nikopol was struck, resulting in eight injuries. In a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin also threatened to use the new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile on Ukraine, as it was first used in a strike on the city of Dnipro on November 21st.
Putin stated that Russia currently only has a few of these missiles, but they would not hesitate to use them if necessary. He also mentioned that they are now in serial production and some will be deployed to their ally, Belarus. Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko also announced that his country could potentially host 10 or more of these missiles.
In retaliation, Ukraine has also launched drone strikes of their own. The Center for Strategic Communications reported that a plant in Kamensk-Shakhtynsky in Russia's southern Rostov region, which produces propellant for ballistic missiles, was targeted in an effort to weaken Russia's capabilities to carry out terrorist attacks against Ukrainian civilians. This is a part of their comprehensive campaign to defend themselves against Russian aggression.
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