On January 5, Russia announced that Ukraine had commenced a "counterattack" in the western border area of Kursk. This region has seen intense military activity, especially since Ukraine began a surprise ground offensive last August. While the extent of Ukraine's gains remains unclear, reports from pro-Kremlin military commentators suggest that a strong new offensive is currently taking place.

This escalation arrives at a pivotal moment in the ongoing nearly three-year conflict, as both Russia and Ukraine prepare to solidify their positions before the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the US President on January 20. According to the Russian defence ministry, the offensive began around 9 am Moscow time, with the goal of preventing further advancement of Russian troops in the Kursk area. The Ukrainian military has not provided detailed comments on the counteroffensive but acknowledged that fighting was ongoing in the region without elaborating.