Photo : Source: Sputnik/Stanislav Krasilnikov
Photo : Source: Sputnik/Stanislav Krasilnikov
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 07 January, The Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine had countered 94 Russian ground assaults in the Kursk region in a day. According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, there were almost 218 clashes in the frontline. This came amidst Ukraine’s renewed attacks in the Kursk region. While the Russian Defence Ministry claims on countering their advance, Ukraine hasn’t officially commented on that yet. The US-based think tank called the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said that Ukraine advanced in the regions of southern Berdin, central Russkoye Porechnoye, and central Novosotnitsky in the northeastern Sudzha. They believe this as the starting phase of a “concerted Ukrainian operation” in Kursk or elsewhere. Meanwhile, they also noted that Russia advanced in the west of Malaya Loknya. These claims could not be verified.
On 07 January, The Moscow Times reported that Ukraine was still holding onto some part of Kurakhove, which Russia claims to have captured two days ago. A spokesperson for Ukraine's Khortytsia army unit Victor Tregubov said: “Ukrainian troops are holding on in the western part of the town, on the western outskirts of the town.” He condemned Russia for using the “scorched-earth policy” to destroy the town. He further claimed that Russia was trying to break down the town “building by building.” However, he said that Ukraine was countering the advance and maintained its control over the power station located in the town.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 08 January, RT reported on the interception of 32 Ukrainian drones targeting several regions in Russia. The targets were Saratov, Kursk, Rostov, Belgorod, Bryansk, Krasnodar, Volgograd and Sea of Azov regions. Saratov Region Governor Roman Busargin also reported on the attack and thanked the military for safeguarding the region. He also added that a fire broke out in an industrial facility. However, no injuries were reported. He also assured that the fire was curbed with the help of forces. According to Russia’s federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsia, flights were stopped in Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Kazan and Nizhnekamsk airports.
On 09 January, TASS reported on the statements of Russia’s battlegroup’s spokesman Alexander Gordeyev on the destruction of six of Ukraine’s drone control posts and two fixed-wing drones. He added that Ukraine had lost around “160 personnel, a MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a Krab howitzer, two FH-70 and D-30 guns, a vehicle and an electronic warfare station.” Gordeyev further said that Russia’s forces were advancing into the Donetsk People’s Republic. They also drove out the Ukrainian army in a counterattack.
On 08 January, TASS reported that over 29 Ukrainian servicemen were killed in the Kursk region. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry: “Over the day, Kyiv lost over 290 servicemen, a tank, an armored personnel carrier, four armored combat vehicles, four automobiles and three artillery pieces.” The ministry added that Russia’s aircraft and artillery teams further targeted Ukraine’s manpower and equipment in certain areas.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 08 January, The Guardian reported on the statements from a US official on the benefit acquired by North Koreans fighting in Russia. He said: “North Korea is benefiting from its troops fighting alongside Russia against Ukraine, gaining experience that makes Pyongyang “more capable of waging war against its neighbours.” He added that Pyongyang received Russia’s military equipment, technology and valuable experience. The deputy US ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Camille Shea warned that North Korea could use these to promote their weapon sales and military training.
On 08 January, the Anadolu Agency reported on the statements of the upcoming US President Donald Trump about Russia’s opposition to Ukraine’s membership in NATO. He said: “Russia has somebody right on their doorstep, and I could understand their feelings about that.” He also condemned US President Joe Biden for giving Ukraine hope for joining NATO. He also seemed frustrated about not being able to meet Putin before he assumed office in January.
On 07 January, the Associated Press reported on the final military package offered by the outgoing office of Biden to Ukraine. According to US defence officials, the “massive, final military aid” was set to be announced as part of the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany. However, no details were provided on the exact amount of aid. Although it would not include all of the USD four billion under the allocated fund, the amount was believed to be “substantial.” This comes amidst Ukraine’s renewed attacks in the Kursk region.
On 08 January, EFE reported on the statements of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, holding Russia responsible for the situation in Moldova. She said: “Russia continues to use gas as a weapon and once again Moldova is a target of its hybrid warfare.” She also confirmed the EU’s support for Moldova as it was well connected to European energy networks. Due to the halt in the gas transit deal between Ukraine and Russia, Moldova and its breakaway region, Transnistria is facing an emergency crisis. While the former was going through a 60-day state of energy emergency, the latter faced power cuts ranging to eight hours a day. Thousands of people face a lack of electricity and access to hot water. Moldova's main electricity supplier, the Kurchugan thermal power plant, has started using coal instead of gas.
References
“EU accuses Russia of using gas as a ‘weapon’ against Moldova,” EFE, 08 January 2025
“Ukraine Says Clinging On to Part of Key Town Russia Says Captured,” The Moscow Times, 07 January 2025
“Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast fend off almost 100 Russian assaults in a day, military says,” The Kyiv Independent, 07 January 2025
“Biden administration set to announce ‘substantial’ final weapons package for Ukraine,” Associated Press, 07 January 2025
“Trump expresses sympathy for Russia's opposition to Ukraine's NATO accession,” Anadolu Agency, 08 January 2025
“Ukraine loses over 290 troops in Kursk Region over past day,” The TASS, 08 January 2025
“Russia’s battlegroup East destroys six Ukrainian drone control posts — spokesman,” The TASS, 08 January 2025
“Russia shoots down dozens of Ukrainian drones – MOD,” RT, 08 January 2025
“North Korea learning from fighting with Russia against Ukraine, US warns,” The Guardian, 08 January 2025