**Ukraine Considers Kursk Withdrawal Amid Fears of Encirclement**
Ukraine’s forces are thinking about pulling out of the city of Kursk. This is because Russia has broken through key defense lines and disrupted supply chains, trapping around 10,000 Ukrainian troops.
According to a report by The Telegraph on March 8, Russian forces have made significant gains in the area. Several recent reports warn that Ukraine’s occupation of Russian territory in Kursk is at risk of being surrounded by Russian forces.
Ukrainian soldiers speaking on condition of anonymity told the Kyiv Independent that Russia had destroyed their supply chains for ammunition and food. They said they were facing encirclement, with one soldier saying the breakthrough happened in the last few days.
**US Intelligence Sharing Halted**
A source in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office told Time that operations in the Kursk region have been affected by a recent halt in intelligence sharing from the United States. The US stopped its intelligence sharing on March 5, reportedly due to pressure from US President Donald Trump.
**Withdrawal Would Be a Blow**
A withdrawal ahead of peace talks would be a severe blow to Ukraine’s bargaining position. Zelensky has said that Ukraine’s occupation of Kursk is likely to play a crucial role in potential future negotiations.
**North Korean Troops Involved**
According to The Telegraph, up to 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk last fall to support Russian forces. After a pullback earlier this year, they were reportedly redeployed to the area last month.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
