Commander-in-Chief of Ukrainian army visits troops in Kursk direction

“During my work in the Kursk direction, I awarded our brave soldiers. The heroic actions of Ukrainian troops forced the enemy to maintain a significant force in their territory and deploy reserves from other directions,” Syrskyi emphasized.

He explained that due to the resilience and bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, the enemy losses in the Kursk direction amounted to over 38,000 personnel and more than 1,000 pieces of equipment.

“On December 30, 189 more Ukrainians returned from captivity. This is also your (referring to troops in the Kursk direction – ed.) contribution, as during operations in this direction, our exchange fund has grown by more than 700 captives,” he added.

Kursk operation

In August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive operation in the Kursk region. This marked the first major offensive operation on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion began.

Ukrainian troops crossed the border near the town of Sudzha and advanced deep into the Kursk region, capturing significant territories and disorganizing Russian units.

During the early months of the operation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. According to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, over the three months of fighting, Russia's losses amounted to about 21,000 soldiers, including over 7,000 killed and 717 captured.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would hold the captured Russian territories until it forces Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

The operation also had strategic importance, compelling the Russian command to cancel plans for offensives on several Ukrainian cities.

According to the General Staff, as of the morning of January 1, Ukrainian Defense Forces have advanced near Kreminna and in the Kursk region.