PoliticsWar Russia plans to use Kursk as a bargaining chip, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces prepare for large-scale battles. Wednesday, November 27, 2024 
Russia wants to reclaim the Kursk region prior to Donald Trump’s inauguration in order to deprive Kyiv of an essential piece of leverage in peace talks. Ukrainian fighters are facing intense attacks from the Russians, who launched a counteroffensive about six weeks ago using large columns of armored vehicles, which has allowed them to push the Ukrainian military back. Moreover, the Russian command strengthened its 50,000-strong group in the Kursk region with thousands of North Korean soldiers, Russian units, and brigades. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are preparing for massive battles in the near future. Russia’s deadline for liberating its territory will likely coincide with Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. About 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers are prepared to repel the coming Russian attacks. Although the enemy outnumbers Ukrainian forces, optimism is fueled by the powerful strikes that have been made by the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ aviation and missile systems, including Storm Shadow and ATACMS. Strikes deep into Russian territory can successfully disrupt supply lines and break the command structure of the Kursk region’s regiments, brigades, and divisions.