It's unclear who struck first: Forbes details the latest offensive by Ukrainian forces near Kursk (map included).

Ukrainian and Russian forces began an offensive in the Kursk region almost simultaneously. The Russians deployed armored vehicles but did not achieve significant success. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians advanced using armored trucks and infantry fighting vehicles, while drones with fiber-optic control were sent against them. The publication Forbes reported on the potential successes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on their way to Kursk.

UAF Offensive — What is Happening in the Kursk Region

An analyst explained that on Sunday, January 5, combat operations intensified in the Kursk region from both the UAF and the Russian Armed Forces. However, he cannot say for certain who initiated the first attack. The article presents two hypotheses: that the UAF's offensive is a response to new Russian attacks, or that it was a preemptive strike.

"It is quite possible that one attack aimed to disrupt the other, but it is unclear which one. It is hard to say, and it may take several days before the smoke clears and the motives and outcomes become apparent," Forbes noted.

The article also explains the specific areas where the assault operations began.

The Russians are attempting to attack near three settlements on the northwestern flank — between the villages of Sverdlikovo, Leonidovo, and Malaya Loknya. The estimated length of the contact line is about 17 km. Details are provided by the drone operator from the Marine Corps of the UAF, Krigsforsher. According to the soldier, the Russian Armed Forces deployed marines from the 155th and 810th brigades, as well as paratroopers from the 106th division. Additionally, they utilized 40 units of armored vehicles. Forbes described the Russian attack as "the largest since our invasion."

Meanwhile, the Ukrainians advanced near the village of Berdin on the northern salient, the publication reported. The UAF used armored trucks, infantry fighting vehicles (tracked and wheeled), and armored vehicles for demining. To halt the advance, the Russian Armed Forces deployed FPV drones, which are controlled via fiber-optic cables and therefore are not susceptible to electronic warfare.

The analyst concluded that the UAF may have advanced by 3 km and noted that the Russians are likely to face unexpectedly poor results in the Kursk region.

"It is unclear whether the [Ukrainians] will be able to entrench themselves and hold the positions they have gained. If the Ukrainians succeed and the Russians fail, the difference could be surprising," Forbes wrote.

Details of the Combat Operations near Kursk

The map of combat operations in the Kursk region, created on the "Radio Free Europe" portal, highlights the areas where the UAF's offensive began. Blue markers indicate areas of Ukrainian activity, while orange markers show Russian movements. To the northwest, the UAF is advancing near the village of Leonidovo (likely in response to Russian attacks). To the north, along the R200 road leading to Kursk, there are attacks on Novocherkasskoye, Berdin, and Novosotnitskoye. The estimated length of the segment where the UAF's offensive began is about 13 km, from Novocherkassk to Pushkarny.

It should be noted that the first reports of the UAF's activation in the Kursk region appeared on Saturday and Sunday, January 4-5. This was noted by the head of the President's Office, Andriy Yermak. Neither President Volodymyr Zelensky nor the General Staff of the UAF have provided any details regarding the Ukrainian offensive yet.

We remind you that on January 6, DeepState analysts discussed the consequences of the intensified Russian assaults on Pokrovsk. Meanwhile, earlier on January 3, the commander of a mortar unit reported on a new tactic being employed by the Russian Armed Forces during the fighting in Toretsk.