Ukrainian forces capture 27 Russian soldiers amid Kursk offensive

The Ukrainian air assault forces reported the capture of 27 Russian soldiers in the Kursk region. This group included officers, sergeants, and soldiers from mechanized units, naval infantry, airborne troops, and other formations.

"They found themselves in a challenging combat situation and made the right decision to lay down their arms, which saved their lives. All the wounded received immediate first aid. We urge other Russian soldiers to surrender and not to resist," said the Ukrainian armed forces, emphasizing their commitment to international humanitarian law and ensuring the safety of those who voluntarily lay down their arms.

In early January, the Ukrainian armed forces resumed their offensive in the Kursk region on several fronts. They made progress on at least one front, as confirmed later by Russian war bloggers.

"The area is covered with some powerful electronic warfare (designed to jam drones - ed. note), nothing is flying at all. Carriers are moving, followed by tanks and armored vehicles, totaling about ten units," described Sergei Koliasnikov on the channel Zergulio on the first day.

Later, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, confirmed the offensive. "Kursk, good news: Russia is getting what it deserves," he wrote on the Telegram channel.

Meanwhile, the Russian army intensified its offensive on other fronts in the Kursk region, attempting to push the Ukrainians back.

The Ukrainian armed forces entered Russian territory in early August and initially captured around 500 square miles, but they have been systematically losing positions since then.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly called on the Russian army to "expel" the enemy from the Kursk region, without specifying exact deadlines for this task. "The Economist" magazine noted that Russia intensified its offensive actions in the region by the end of 2024, potentially related to the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, scheduled for January 20.

If the Russian-Ukrainian border is reached, Putin may not need to negotiate exchanging territories of the region for Ukrainian lands occupied by the Russian army. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is focused on maintaining the foothold until Trump assumes office, hoping to leverage this advantage in future negotiations.