Ukraine Launches Surprise Offensive in Russia's Kursk Region

RURussian Federation|

In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian troops have initiated an offensive in the Kursk region of Russia, sparking intense reactions from both Ukrainian and Russian sources. Early reports indicate that the offensive began around 9:00 AM Moscow time, involving a coordinated attack with two tanks, an armored vehicle, and twelve infantry fighting vehicles aimed at disrupting Russian troop movements in the area.

Ukrainian Presidential Administration Chief Andrij Jermak confirmed the operation and expressed optimism via Telegram, stating, “Kursk, good news, the Russians are getting what they deserve.” In contrast, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that all Ukrainian attack efforts were repelled and that most vehicles used in the assault were destroyed. However, some Russian military bloggers offered a different perspective, noting that the Ukrainian forces had achieved some tactical successes due to the element of surprise.

Reports suggest that the Ukrainian offensive was launched from Sudscha and progressed along the strategic R200 road toward the small Russian town of Bolschoje Soldatskoje. Sources indicate that Ukrainian units may have taken control of the village of Berdin, marking an advance of approximately five kilometers into Russian-held territory.

In response to Russian drone operations, Ukrainian forces reportedly employed new electronic warfare technology to disrupt enemy drone usage. Video evidence has shown Russian drones losing contact with their operators just before reaching their targets.

Since August 2023, Ukrainian forces have maintained a presence in parts of the Kursk region but faced heavy resistance, leading them to lose significant territory in recent months. The developments in Kursk mark a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Russian Federation

Russia and China Join Forces to Establish Lunar Nuclear Power Station

Russia's space agency Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration have signed a memorandum to construct an automated nuclear power station on the Moon, targeting completion by 2035. The announcement, made on May 8, 2025, indicates that the power station will be part of the broader International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which aims to facilitate extensive space research and technological advancements for prolonged uncrewed operations. Located within 100 kilometers of the lunar south pole, the ILRS will support both autonomous missions and short-term human presence on the Moon. The initiative, first proposed in 2017, has garnered participation from nations including Venezuela, Belarus, and Pakistan, among others. Yuri Borisov, head of Roscosmos, highlighted ongoing developments such as a nuclear-powered cargo spaceship designed for diverse applications, including transporting goods in space and debris collection. This partnership comes amid NASA's recent budget proposals, which threaten the future of its own lunar missions, including the Gateway project slated for launch in 2027.
RURussian Federation

Ukrainian Drones Disrupt Moscow Flights Amid War Preparations for Victory Day

Ukrainian drone strikes prompted significant disruptions at Moscow's airports for the third consecutive day, coinciding with preparations for Russia's annual Victory Day military parade, scheduled for May 9. Over 100 Aeroflot flights were canceled and more than 140 delayed due to heightened security concerns regarding the drone threats, according to the airline and Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. This year’s celebrations, marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, are particularly sensitive as foreign dignitaries, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, arrive for the events. In response to the drone strikes, Russia's air defenses reportedly thwarted multiple attacks aimed at the capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned foreign officials against visiting Russia during the celebrations, citing security risks and potential provocations by the Kremlin. Meanwhile, flight restrictions impacted approximately 350 flights, affecting around 60,000 passengers. Amid these tensions, the Russian military conducted its own airstrike campaign in Ukraine, resulting in casualties in Kyiv, where at least two individuals were killed and eight wounded. Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces targeted residential buildings with missiles and drones.
RURussian Federation

Xi Jinping Arrives in Moscow Amid Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Chinese President Xi Jinping commenced a four-day visit to Russia on May 7, coinciding with Ukrainian drone strikes on Moscow. The attacks, which were repelled by Russian air defense units, prompted the temporary closure of several airports in the capital, as reported by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Xi Jinping is in Russia to attend the Victory Day parade, commemorating the end of World War II, and to meet with President Vladimir Putin for discussions set to cover over a dozen cooperation agreements. This trip marks Xi's 11th visit to Russia, reflecting a deepening partnership bolstered during a period of strained relations between Russia and Western nations. The Russian Foreign Ministry termed Xi's visit "one of the central events in Russian-Chinese relations this year," highlighting plans for the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, projected to transport 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually to China. Bilateral trade has surged to $245 billion in 2024, up 66% from 2021, reportedly providing Russia with much-needed economic support amid ongoing sanctions.
RURussian Federation
All Russian Federation News ->