Russia's recent advances in key spots along the frontlines of eastern and southeastern Ukraine have put Kyiv at a disadvantage. Moscow's aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified, while preparations for a counteroffensive in the southern Russian region of Kursk are underway.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the deployment of nearly 50,000 Russian troops to Kursk, with additional North Korean troops reinforcing their numbers. The Institute for the Study of War highlighted Russia's tactical gains and the challenge they pose for Ukraine in preparing for a potential counteroffensive.
