**Ukraine Launches New Border Offensive in Kursk, Despite Russian Claims of Complete Liberation**
In a bold move, Ukrainian forces have launched a fresh offensive near the village of Tyotkino in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, according to Russian Telegram channels. The attack, which began on 4 May evening, was reportedly met with artillery and drone strikes from Russian forces, halting the advance at the border.
This latest development comes after Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces, with the support of approximately 10,000-12,000 North Korean troops, had completely liberated Kursk Oblast from Ukrainian forces on 26 April. However, Ukrainian officials have denied these claims, dismissing them as propaganda.
**A Rebuttal to Russian Claims**
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and President Zelenskyy have both denied reports of Ukrainian troops being surrounded or defeated in Kursk. Instead, they emphasized the ongoing active defense and offensive actions by Ukrainian forces in both Kursk and neighboring Belgorod Oblast.
The Ukrainian military command has not issued comments on the reported offensive, but Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi acknowledged the significance of the nine-month Kursk operation on 5 May. He highlighted that Ukraine’s Defense Forces have managed to prevent Russian offensives in Sumy and Kharkiv regions, creating a buffer zone along the border.
**A Clash at the Border**
Reports suggest that Ukrainian forces launched concentrated drone and artillery strikes against Tyotkino before advancing with forces from Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast settlements. However, Russian forces responded with aviation support, allegedly destroying several Ukrainian vehicles, including ten quad bikes, a tank, two breach vehicles, and a mobile bridge system.
Despite these claims, the combat on the Tyotkino front remains at the border line, with reports of Ukrainian forces capturing the town being dismissed as false information. While Ukrainian troops did advance equipment from Sumy Oblast and attempted demining operations at the border, they were allegedly repelled by Russian artillery and drone strikes without gaining ground.
**A New Chapter in the Conflict**
The Ukrainian military’s decision to launch a new border offensive in Kursk suggests that they are not willing to give up on the region. As Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi emphasized, the buffer zone created by Ukraine’s Defense Forces remains relevant, and the operation has achieved most of its set goals.
However, it is unclear what implications this latest development may have for the wider conflict. Will Ukrainian forces be able to breach the Russian border, or will they be met with further resistance? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for Kursk Oblast continues.
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