Zelensky Claims 50,000 Russian Troops Now Stationed in Kursk Amid Ukraine’s Offensive
In his latest national address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that an ongoing Ukrainian operation within Russia’s Kursk region has effectively tied down 50,000 Russian troops. This strategic move, Zelensky stated, is intended to limit Moscow’s ability to launch further attacks into Ukraine.
Since the incursion began in early August, Ukraine has aimed to disrupt Russia’s offensive potential. However, the operation has drawn some skepticism from Western allies. Initially, Russia had an estimated 11,000 troops in Kursk, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a U.S.-based non-profit. Yet, the recent surge in forces reportedly reached 50,000 without Moscow having to withdraw personnel from eastern Ukraine, the primary combat zone.
The New York Times reported that Russia’s buildup may include North Korean troops, potentially reinforcing Russia’s response to Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk. The paper cites both U.S. and Ukrainian officials, who confirm the possibility of North Korean troops participating in an imminent Russian counteroffensive.
Briefing Zelensky, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyy, recently inspected Ukrainian units operating in Kursk. Zelensky emphasized the mission’s significance, saying, “Our troops are holding back 50,000 occupiers, preventing them from deploying elsewhere against Ukraine.” Without Ukraine’s forces in Kursk, Syrskyy added, thousands of Russian assault units would likely be launching attacks in the Donetsk region, which remains a fiercely contested battlefield.
As fighting intensifies in Donetsk, both Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations over damage to a dam near Kurakhove, close to the strategic city of Pokrovsk, a critical supply hub for Ukraine. Russian forces have gradually advanced in Donetsk, intensifying clashes in the region.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence suggest over 10,000 North Korean soldiers are supporting Russia. Moscow has not officially confirmed North Korean involvement in Kursk, though North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently signed a defense treaty with Russia, solidifying their military alliance. The United States accuses North Korea of supplying Russia with military equipment, including missiles.
In other developments, speculation surrounding the recent re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump has led to reports of an unconfirmed phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Washington Post, Trump allegedly cautioned Putin against escalating the Ukraine conflict, referencing the extensive U.S. military presence in Europe. While Trump’s team declined to comment, the Kremlin dismissed the rumors of a recent conversation between the two leaders.
