Putin Uncertain on Ukrainian Forces in Kursk

During his annual year-end press conference on December 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he could not provide a timeline for expelling Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, which they control partially after a surprise offensive in August. He described the ongoing battles as serious but assured that Russian forces would ultimately prevail, citing operational security concerns for not revealing specific dates. Concurrently, Ukrainian military officials reported that North Korean troops are actively involved in Russia's counteroffensive in the region, suffering significant losses. The UK has pledged additional military aid to Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing international support for Kyiv. Putin emphasized the need to restore infrastructure for civilians affected by the conflict and acknowledged the hardships faced by the local population. The situation remains dynamic as both sides engage in continued military operations.