Exactly 5 months ago, on August 6, 2024, the operation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces began in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. During this period, the total enemy losses exceeded 38,000, of which about 15,000 were killed.
This information is provided by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is noted that the Kursk operation marked another phase in the confrontation against Russian aggression and the struggle for the independence of our state.
"For the first time in 11 years of war, combat operations were transferred to the territory of Russia. The aim of the Kursk operation was to prevent the enemy's advance in the Sumy region and to establish a 'buffer zone,'" emphasized the General Staff.
The operation of the Defense Forces compelled the enemy to redeploy significant resources to Kursk, which weakened its positions on other fronts. Specifically, the Russians transferred some of their most capable units from airborne troops, naval infantry, and special forces.
Moreover, Russia required assistance from North Korea, which sent approximately 12,000 of its military personnel to Moscow. About 4,000 of them have already been eliminated, while some units have lost their combat effectiveness.
The General Staff assessed the enemy's losses in equipment as follows:
- 104 tanks;
- 575 armored fighting vehicles;
- 1,104 units of automotive equipment;
- 330 artillery systems;
- 12 multiple launch rocket systems;
- 12 anti-aircraft systems;
- 1 aircraft;
- 3 helicopters;
- 859 drones;
- 32 units of special equipment.
Additionally, during the Kursk operation, Ukrainian forces captured 860 Russian occupiers, significantly increasing the exchange fund. This allowed for the release of hundreds of Ukrainian defenders who were held in Russian prisons.
Kursk Operation of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
On August 6, 2024, Ukrainian forces unexpectedly launched an operation in the Kursk region of Russia. At that time, hundreds of square kilometers of enemy territory came under the control of the Defense Forces – specifically, the district center of Sudzha.
Since then, Russia has managed to regain about 50% of the territory, as reported by The Economist. For this, Russia spared neither equipment nor personnel. Additionally, the enemy recruited a contingent from North Korea.
However, recently the Defense Forces have begun to advance deeper into the Kursk region again. The head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed the advance of the Armed Forces, adding that Russia "is getting what it deserves."
Advisor to the head of the President's Office of Ukraine, Serhiy Leshchenko, stated that a significant open space was covered without any consequences. According to him, "this became possible due to the use of new means."