Ukraine Launches New Offensive in Kursk, Zelensky: ‘Putin Fears Trump’
Ukraine launches a new offensive in Kursk amid escalating tensions. Zelensky discusses NATO, Trump, and frozen Russian assets in a key interview.
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Ukraine Launches New Offensive in Kursk, Zelensky: ‘Putin Fears Trump’
Tensions Rise as Ukraine Targets Kursk Again
Ukraine has initiated a new military operation in Russia’s Kursk region, parts of which remain under Ukrainian control since an earlier offensive in August 2024. While Kyiv has not released an official statement, a senior Ukrainian official remarked that Russia is “getting what it deserves.”
Moscow claims to have repelled the attack, but independent verification is unavailable. Meanwhile, approximately 200,000 Russian civilians have reportedly been evacuated from the region.
North Korean Troops Allegedly Deployed in Kursk
Reports suggest Russia has deployed approximately 11,000 North Korean troops to Kursk. While Moscow has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that around 1,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky estimates this figure to be closer to 3,800 and claims the soldiers burn their faces to avoid recognition—a claim that remains unverified.
Zelensky Speaks on NATO and Trump in Key Interview
Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President on January 20, both Russia and Ukraine appear to be solidifying their positions for potential negotiations. In a three-hour podcast interview with Lex Fridman, Zelensky highlighted the necessity of security guarantees from the U.S. for any ceasefire to be effective.
Zelensky also accused Putin of attempting to manipulate Trump against him, stating, “Putin fears Trump.” He further warned that a U.S. withdrawal from NATO under Trump could enable Putin to "destroy Europe."
Economic Reparations and NATO Membership
Zelensky reiterated his demand for Russia’s $300 billion in frozen assets to be transferred to Ukraine to fund domestic production and arms procurement. He also suggested that Ukraine’s NATO membership could be negotiated to include only areas under Ukrainian control.
When asked about attending Trump’s inauguration, Zelensky stated he would do so only if he received a formal invitation.
