Ukraine-Russia War: Putin launches Counterattack In Kursk

Russian forces have launched a counter-offensive in Kursk against Ukraine’s initial invasion, over a month since Kyiv’s military surprised Vladimir Putin and gained control of a significant portion of the region.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, in the last 48 hours, a counterattack was launched on the western front of Kursk. This resulted in Russian forces, who are known for their combat experience, successfully reclaiming multiple settlements.

According to the ISW, Ukrainian troops have retaliated by launching fresh offensives after being provoked.

News from Kursk coincides with a joint promise of roughly $1.5bn in humanitarian aid, support and loan guarantees for Ukraine by the US and the UK during discussions held in Kyiv. However, they were unable to reach an agreement on authorizing long-range missile attacks within Russia.

For months now, Volodymyr Zelensky has been urging Kyiv’s allies to allow Ukraine to launch Western missiles, such as US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, into Russia. This would act as a deterrent against any potential attacks initiated by Moscow.

According to local officials, an overnight attack by Russian drones caused substantial harm to the energy infrastructure of Konotop, a town in northern Ukraine. The assault also resulted in injuries to at least 14 individuals and a power outage for the community.

Efforts are underway to bring back electricity in the town, which used to have a population of around 83,000 before the war. According to regional authorities, 10 blasts occurred during the assault and Mayor Artem Semenikhin stated that the power grid is currently in a precarious state.

During the early hours of Thursday, he reported that energy personnel are working diligently to supply electricity to both the hospital and water system.

A high-ranking Russian commander said that a notable counter-attack has been launched by Russian forces against Ukrainian troops, resulting in the reclaiming of certain territory.

As per TASS, Major General Apti Alaudinov, who is leading Chechnya’s Akhmat special forces in Kursk, revealed that the Russian troops have launched an offensive and successfully reestablished control over approximately 10 villages in the region.

He said that the situation is favorable for us. Alaudinov, who also serves as deputy head of the Russian defence ministry’s military-political department, expressed this sentiment.

According to him, approximately 10 settlements in the Kursk region have been freed.

As per recent reports, Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that his forces had claimed dominance over 100 settlements spanning more than 1,300 sq km (500 sq miles) in Kursk. However, this statement has been challenged by sources from Russia.