The Economist writes about a “Bleak Christmas” for Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region

Ukrainian troops are “celebrating a grim Christmas” in the Kursk region.

This information writes the British magazine The Economist.

The Russian army had been increasing its pressure even before North Korean soldiers joined the battle.

“Russians have a massive advantage in almost everything – manpower, artillery, and equipment. They effectively alternate between mechanized attacks and infantry assaults. Ukraine has already lost about half of the territories it previously controlled,” the outlet writes, citing Ukrainian Armed Forces Major Ivan Bakarev.

According to him, the problems began at the end of September when elite units were replaced with less experienced troops. Now, Russian forces are attempting to encircle the main Ukrainian forces by attacking from both the eastern and western flanks.

“All units in the Kursk region have switched to defense,” Bakarev says.

The publication notes that Zelensky is “determined to hold the area as a bargaining chip,” which is why “Ukrainians are holding on, although the conditions on the surface (and underground) are getting increasingly difficult.”

“Rain, mud, snow, cold, dirt, bugs, worms, rats, and gliding bombs,” describes Ruslan Mokrytskyi, a sergeant from the 95th Air Assault Brigade. Russians are reportedly capable of dropping up to 40 glide bombs on a single position within a few hours. “Under Kursk, death is always close; it’s practically holding your hand.”

The operation in the Kursk region “cost Ukraine some elite troops but has eased pressure in other areas and delivered a rare political success in a challenging year,” *The Economist* writes.

Meanwhile, military-focused Telegram channels report that these are the first videos allegedly showing North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region.

In one video, a presumed North Korean soldier is filmed by a Ukrainian drone. In another, a soldier from North Korea is allegedly seen communicating with a Chechen fighter from Kadyrov’s “Akhmat” unit. They converse mostly through a mix of sign language and English (whereas Tuvans or Buryats would likely use Russian).