Battlefield Alignments: Russia's Gains and Ukraine's Strategic Holds

Russia claims significant gains in eastern Ukraine, capturing key towns while countering a new Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces aim to hold strategic positions for leverage in future peace talks. The presence of North Korean troops supporting Russia is suspected, yet unverified.

Russia announced on Monday that its forces have made substantial advances in eastern Ukraine while successfully repelling a new Ukrainian offensive launched in the Kursk region of western Russia. The Russian defense ministry reported capturing the town of Kurakhove, a strategic area 32 km south of Pokrovsk, a significant Ukrainian logistics hub.

According to the ministry, the fall of Kurakhove, a target under siege for several weeks, would allow Moscow's forces to accelerate their progress in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. They further claimed capturing Dachenske, a settlement close to Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces, aiming for better battlefield positions before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, have held onto crucial territory in Russia's Kursk region.

Amid ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have not disclosed details about their new offensive, although a senior official stated that Russia is "getting what it deserves." Backed by North Korean troops, whose involvement remains unconfirmed, Russia braces for further Ukrainian assaults. International allies, including the EU and the U.S., continue to back Kyiv's right to defend itself.

(With inputs from agencies.)