Kyiv denies Russia's control of Kurakhove

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on January 6 that it had taken control of the strategic city of Kurakhove in Donetsk province, eastern Ukraine. However, Ukrainian forces have not confirmed the fall of the city and are confronting the Russian army, Kyiv Post reported.

The Russian statement mentioned that 26 battalions of the Ukrainian armed forces, with a total of more than 15,000 soldiers, participated in the defense of Kurakhove. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that Ukraine is believed to have lost 80% of its troops in the fighting for the city, as well as about 3,000 units of weapons and equipment, including 40 tanks and armored vehicles.

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Ukrainian military officials have not confirmed the loss of the city of Kurakhove to Russia. Ukraine's Khortytsia combat unit said Russia was carrying out attacks on urban areas in Kurakhove and Kyiv had repelled 27 attacks.

Because it lies on the vital route between Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts, Kurakhove serves as an important logistical hub for Ukrainian forces on the front lines. Since the last months of 2024, Russian forces have been closing in on Kurakhove, forcing Ukrainian units to huddle in defense at the city’s power plant.

Ukrainian troops move along trenches in Russia's Kursk province

PHOTO: UKRAINE GENERAL STAFF

Russia claims to have pushed back Ukrainian forces in Kursk

In Kursk province (Russia), where information about Ukraine carrying out a large-scale counterattack campaign in recent days has emerged, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on January 6 that the Russian army had repelled the latest attempt by Ukrainian forces to break Moscow's siege, causing Kyiv to lose more than 150 soldiers, 4 tanks, 2 infantry fighting vehicles, and 16 armored vehicles on January 6. Ukraine did not comment on this information.

Kyiv launched a counterattack on Kursk on January 5, with three attacks. RBC Ukraine reported on January 6 that the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk had two goals. Militarily, Kyiv hoped that Russia could withdraw part of its troops from the eastern front, such as troops advancing to Pokrovsk and Kurakhove to support Kursk. Politically , Ukraine hoped that information about the counterattack in Kursk could create panic in Russia, as evacuees questioned when they could return to Kursk.

If Russia increases pressure in Kursk, Ukrainian forces may have to retreat

However, the article also notes that Ukrainian forces in Kursk are relatively limited, so it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the situation in this area.

French President: Ukraine should have “realistic” expectations on territorial issues

French President Emmanuel Macron on January 6 called on Ukraine to have “realistic” territorial expectations in its conflict with Russia, saying there was no quick and easy solution to end the war, AFP reported.

“The Ukrainian people need to have real discussions on territorial issues,” Mr Macron said, urging Kyiv for the first time to consider the possibility of territorial concessions.

The French president also mentioned the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, saying that the US needs to help change the nature of the conflict and convince the Russians to come to the negotiating table. “The new US president will know that Washington has no chance of gaining any benefits if Ukraine loses,” Mr. Macron said.

Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on January 6 that the situation in Ukraine's Kursk region plays an important role in potential future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Trump has repeatedly affirmed that the war in Ukraine will end soon, while leaving open the possibility that Kyiv may have to make territorial concessions. In addition, the US president-elect also said that Washington's aid to Ukraine is a waste.

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In an interview on January 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism that Mr. Trump would be able to force Russia to join peace negotiations and end the fighting.

Ukraine accuses Russian agents of plotting attack on unit in Kyiv

The counterintelligence department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) revealed on January 6 that it had arrested a group of people believed to be Russian agents plotting an attack on defense units in the Kyiv region, with the support of a teenage bomb maker, according to Ukrainska Pravda .

Ukrainian security forces arrest a teenager wearing a Ukrainian military uniform

PHOTO: UKRAINE SECURITY SERVICE

“According to the investigation, in December 2024, a teenager from Kirovohrad region (Ukraine) followed the instructions of a Russian agent to plant an explosive device at the entrance to the defense forces unit’s facility in Kyiv region. The enemy planned to detonate the bomb remotely together with the boy after he entered the building. The boy did not know about the detailed plan,” the SSU said.

Ukraine said that after arriving in Kyiv province, the teenager booked a room at a hotel near the agreed location and received instructions from Russian agents. The teenager then picked up a bag that had been placed at the designated location, which contained an improvised explosive device and a Ukrainian military uniform. The boy disguised himself and took the bag with him, but was later caught red-handed by Ukrainian law enforcement. SSU officials found 1.5 kg of mixed explosives in the bag. The teenager could face life imprisonment and confiscation of his property.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chien-su-ukraine-ngay-1048-kyiv-bac-thong-tin-nga-kiem-soat-kurakhove-185250106231117174.htm