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Headline: Ukraine: Zelensky condemns "inhumane" Russia Christmas Day attack – BBC”>Ukraine‘s battle in Kursk: Moscow’s renewed efforts and the role of North Korean troops

Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) face a daunting challenge in the Kursk region, Russia, where they are not only brindling Russian troops but also contending with the presence of North Korean soldiers. According to a Bloomberg report, citing anonymous U.S. officials, if Russia intensifies its efforts in Kursk, it could reclaim the territory by spring, forcing the AFU to retreat.

The AFU is grappling with shortages of manpower and uncertainty about future weapon supplies from the U.S. and other allies. Complicating the situation further is the involvement of North Korean troops, estimated to be around 12,000 in total in Russia. U.S. officials cautioned that if Russia increases its pressure in Kursk as early as January, the AFU might struggle to maintain their position until spring.

Russia’s potential counteroffensive in Kursk could focus on strategic roads and populace centers to prompt Ukrainian withdrawal, with additional North Korean troops potentially deployed. Around 8,000 more North Korean soldiers could be sent to support Russia’s efforts by spring, although one U.S. official noted that this estimate should be treated with low confidence.

Previously, Ukrainian officials had hoped to use the Kursk region as a bargaining chip in peace talks. However, with Russia currently dominating the battlefield, it may be incentivized to halt negotiations and seize as much Ukrainian territory as possible before a potential ceasefire freezes the front line.

Conversely, one U.S. official posited that Ukraine’s operation in Kursk might not have been aimed at holding the region until negotiations, but rather to shock Russian forces and inflict heavy losses. Even if the AFU retreats, this approach could still be considered a tactical success.

Analyst George Barros of the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) agreed that Russia could potentially reclaim Kursk, but emphasized that Ukraine’s offensive demonstrated the region’s vulnerability and Russia’s porous border defenses. The operation underscored the war’s dynamic nature and Ukraine’s continued value as a recipient of international support.

Latest Updates: Combat in Kursk

Meanwhile, in Kursk, Russian media claimed that Ukrainian forces targeted a pontoon bridge near Belgorod, although there was no official confirmation from Ukrainian or Russian authorities.

In response to these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his commitment to ensuring justice for the people of Kursk and all occupied territories in his nightly address.

In other news, the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened an investigation into war crimes committed during the conflict in Ukraine, focusing on all parties involved.

Ukrainian forces thwarted an attempt by Russian troops to surround their positions on the left bank of the Oskol River, destroying heavy enemy armor. On the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces are ongoing their offensive, trying to capture the village of Kruhliakivka and isolate Ukrainian troops on the left bank of the Oskol River. However, on December 11, the strike drone battalion “Achilles” along with the Guards of the 1st Operational Brigade “Burevey” and paratroopers of the 77th Airborne Assault Brigade repelled the enemy attack, destroying a column of heavy armor, including one T-80 tank, three MT-LB armored personnel carriers, and three infantry fighting vehicles. Another tank was severely damaged and abandoned by its crew.

Earlier, Russian occupiers had managed to break through to the outskirts of Kruhliakivka, taking advantage of morning fog, which significantly limited visibility. They occupied some houses in the village but were later pushed back by Ukrainian forces. The “Cyberb_front” geoinformation analysis project identified the main battle areas and buildings occupied by the enemy before the Ukrainian counterattack. Heavy fights have been ongoing for the Kupiansk direction since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, with Russian forces controlling the left bank of the Oskol River since then. After the Ukrainian offensive in autumn 2022, most of the left bank in the Kupiansk region was liberated.

Ukrainian Forces Halt Russian Powerful Armored Assault on Crucial Frontline Sector – Media Reports

Ukraine/Skrygalka, Kharkiv Region (AP) – In a major setback for the Russian military, Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled a large-scale armored assault launched by Russian and occupied Ukrainian units in the crucial Kharkiv region, according to multiple media outlets and social media reports from the war zone.

The fierce battle, which unfolded over the weekend, saw Russian forces attempt to breach Ukrainian defenses along the lengthy frontline stretching towards Balakliia and Cherkaske, east of the embattled city of Kharkiv. The offensive involved an extensive deployment of Russian armor, including main battle tanks, BMPs (infantry fighting vehicles), and self-propelled artillery.

Ukrainian forces, however, managed to thwart the Russian advance, inflicting heavy casualties on the attacking units. Satellite imagery and geolocated videos shared on social media appeared to show smoldering wreckage of Russian armor lingering on the battlefield following the failed assault.

Russia’s "Kharkiv offensive" has been a cornerstone of its war strategy in eastern Ukraine, aiming to encircle and capture the strategically important city. However, the relentless Ukrainian resistance and a series of successful counterattacks have foiled Russian plans, forcing them to retrench in certain areas.

"Today, we repelled an enemy attack in the direction of Cherkaske. The enemy lost a significant number of troops and equipment. It’s too early to talk aboutisieis, but we’re working on it," said Serhii Haidai, the governor of Luhansk region, in a video update.

The Ukrainian General Staff claimed that Russian losses in the repelled assault included three tanks, four artillery systems, and two armored fighting vehicles, although these figures are yet to be verified.

The ultimately unsuccessful Russian push comes as fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine, with both sides pouring in additional troops and equipment ahead of what is expected to be a major summer offensive.

As the war enters its fourth month, with atrocities committed by Russian forces coming to light in recently liberated areas, the Ukrainian armed forces maintain their resolve in pushing back the invaders, determine to reclaim every inch of seized territory. Meanwhile, international support for Ukraine, both in materiel and sanctions against Russia, continues to grow, further isolating the Kremlin and strengthening the Ukrainian war effort.