Fri Dec 27 03:17:03 UTC 2024: ## Ukraine Claims Heavy North Korean Casualties in Kursk Fighting Amidst Ongoing Russian Attacks
**Kyiv, Ukraine (December 27, 2024)** – Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) reported significant losses among North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in the Kursk region. The GUR stated that recent Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties, compounded by supply issues and even water shortages for the North Korean units. President Zelenskyy earlier this week estimated 3,000 North Korean soldiers killed or wounded in the conflict. This is the first substantial casualty figure released by Ukraine since revealing weeks ago that North Korea had deployed 10,000-12,000 troops to support Russia’s war effort.
The intensified fighting in Kursk follows a Ukrainian incursion into the region last August, a significant blow to Russia’s prestige. While Russia has retaken some territory, Ukrainian forces remain entrenched. Simultaneously, Russia continues its relentless attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a Christmas morning barrage involving 78 missiles and 106 drones. Ukraine claims to have intercepted a significant portion of these attacks. Further attacks, including a drone strike on a market in Nikopol, resulted in civilian casualties.
Adding to the escalating conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened the potential use of the new Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile against Ukraine, highlighting the continued severity of the situation. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its own drone strikes targeting a Russian ballistic missile propellant plant. The ongoing conflict continues to be characterized by intense military activity and significant human cost on both sides. The situation intensifies as the Biden administration works to expedite military aid to Ukraine before the incoming Trump administration.
First Piper 