Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on Monday that Russian troops in eastern Ukraine have captured the city of Kurakhove after a monthslong battle.
Why It Matters
Kurakhove is a key stronghold for the Ukrainian army on the eastern front line, and includes an industrial zone, a thermal power plant and a reservoir.
It also sits on a highway running between eastern and southern Ukraine.
What to Know
Once home to around 20,000 residents, Kurakhove's population has dwindled to an estimated 7,000—10,000 amid relentless artillery barrages and drone strikes that have devastated the area.
Trump's Influence in Ukraine
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office in two weeks.
Though Trump's strategy for ending the war remains unclear, both sides appear eager to secure territorial gains ahead of potential peace negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelensky told the podcaster Lex Fridman in an interview that Trump could make a difference in ending the war, but warned that without U.S. help, Russian president Vladimir Putin "will destroy everything."
Russian forces are pressing toward Pokrovsk, a vital logistics center crucial for Ukraine's defense operations in the region.
Moscow has intensified its campaign in Donetsk, part of the Donbas industrial heartland, where it has been inching westward.
Russia annexed Donetsk and three other Ukrainian regions—Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—in 2022, but its control over these territories remains partial and contested.
Ukraine is grappling with troop shortages and is relying on Western military aid to bolster its defenses.
Fresh Ukrainian Kursk Offensive
In the Kursk region, Russia claims to have repelled a fresh Ukrainian offensive.
However, conflicting reports from Russian military bloggers suggest Moscow faced considerable resistance.
The latest advances in Kursk come nearly six months after Kyiv first sent troops into the region.
The Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Sunday that the Ukrainian Armed Forces renewed their offensive in Kursk, launching a "counterattack" so that Kyiv could "halt the advance of Russian troops."
Ukraine's general staff said in a post on its social media pages on Monday morning that its forces were continuing an operation in the Kursk region, and had repelled 47 attacks over the past 24 hours.
What People Are Saying
Ukrainian authorities have yet to respond to the claim. It is typical for Ukrainian officials to comment on major battlefield defeats only days after Russia announces them.
Russia's Defense Ministry said Sunday that Ukraine launched a fresh offensive in the Kursk region.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism Sunday about securing additional support at an upcoming meeting with international allies in Germany.
What Happens Next
Ukraine will be looking to her allies, including the U.S. under Trump, to support her as the war enters its fourth year.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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