Russia Deploys General to Kursk Amid Counter-Offensive

In response to intensified Ukrainian attacks in the Kursk region, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dispatched General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, a key military figure, to oversee the situation. Ukrainian forces have launched a counter-offensive, reportedly employing British-supplied Challenger tanks and other military equipment. As both sides prepare for potential peace negotiations following the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration, Ukrainian officials claim their operations aim to disrupt Russian advances and bolster their negotiating position. Despite Russian claims of repelling advances, reports indicate significant fighting and pressure on Russian troops in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sees this offensive as critical for maintaining Western support amid a shifting public sentiment toward negotiations. The ongoing conflict in Kursk underscores the high stakes for both leaders as they navigate military and diplomatic challenges.