Russian forces advance toward Kursk, renew assaults on Chasiv Yar. Serhiy Zgurets' column

Situation on the Kursk front

Seven months ago, the Ukrainian Armed Forces entered the Kursk region, secured a significant foothold, and established the Kursk front. This development was a major setback for Russian forces, and for over half a year, they have been suffering heavy losses while continuously attempting to reclaim these areas through numerous counterattacks. Currently, Ukraine holds a 350-square-kilometer foothold in the Kursk region.

After crossing the Psel River, Russian forces are attempting to advance toward the Sudzha-Sumy highway, a major supply route for Ukrainian forces. However, further west of Kurilovka, there is another asphalt road also used by Ukrainian troops. Now, Russian units are pushing toward the Sudzha-Sumy highway from two directions—from Zhuravka-Basivka (south of Sverdlikove) and Guievo-Kurilovka. Visual confirmations indicate that Russian forces are advancing west from Kurylivka along the forested lowlands.

Ukraine Russia war live map, March 1-8, Photo: Espreso

At this stage, blocking enemy advances is crucial. Due to their use of strike capabilities and fiber-optic drones, Russian forces significantly disrupt logistics along the Sudzha-Sumy route. This presents a key challenge influencing the course of battles in this sector.

Recently, active combat operations have resumed in several sectors. Oleh Chaus, senior sergeant of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade Magura, which is defending north of Sverdlikove, reported that enemy infantry assault operations have begun, with Russian forces trying to break through Ukrainian positions. They operate in small groups.

"Right now, the enemy is attacking in groups of four, advancing toward positions that may have been destroyed by drones or artillery. Before assaults, they always conduct artillery shelling, including 120mm mortars and other heavy weaponry. Only after that do their infantry groups move in. Their main offensive effort is currently felt from the northwest, where they have started a more active push. Additionally, the enemy is trying to disrupt our logistics in the southern part of the sector, aiming to create a narrow corridor under full Russian drone control—both fiber-optic and regular UAVs," Chaus explained.

He noted that the situation significantly complicates Ukrainian operations. Furthermore, many Ukrainian fighters are over 40 years old, and they must conduct 30-kilometer foot marches to deliver supplies:

"Imagine carrying ammunition, water, and food for 8-10 days. These marches can take over a day, all under constant drone and artillery threats. Logistics simply don’t function due to the difficult conditions. Only in rain, snow, or strong winds can we avoid drone detection and deliver supplies by vehicle. However, transport losses are high, and a lack of vehicles forces soldiers to make long foot marches."

Despite these challenges, the brigade has a sufficient stock of drones, and Ukrainian forces use them effectively. Most enemy assaults have been stopped thanks to drones, which have destroyed tanks, BMPs, BTRs, and other equipment. Additionally, combat engineers have played a vital role, mining roads and fields. However, Russian forces suffer their heaviest losses from drones.

"For example, during recent assaults, drones neutralized three out of every four Russian soldiers," Chaus added.

Chasiv Yar

For the past two to three weeks, enemy activity in Chasiv Yar had decreased, but in recent days, the situation has changed. This sector is strategically critical for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, as it is a gateway to Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Chasiv Yar is positioned on high ground, making it a key defensive point. Russian forces began their offensive here in April 2024, and over time, they have managed to cross parts of the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal, which previously hindered their advance.

Currently, the city is largely destroyed. Ukrainian forces hold defensive positions in certain areas, while central districts are partially controlled by Russian troops. Combat is ongoing within the city and along its flanks.

Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22, Photo: Espreso

In urban warfare, even destroyed five-story buildings with basements serve as defensive positions for both Ukrainian and Russian forces. This makes it difficult to define clear frontlines. Several Ukrainian brigades are defending this area.

One of these units is the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after King Danylo, a battle-hardened and powerful formation. Oleh Petrasiuk, press officer for the 24th Brigade, reported that Russian forces resumed their use of armored vehicles after a brief pause.

"For some time, poor weather prevented the enemy from launching active assaults. However, yesterday, Russian forces attempted an attack using a large number of armored vehicles. A convoy of about 20 vehicles moved toward Chasiv Yar, attempting to cross the canal. 14 vehicles were quickly destroyed, and total enemy losses reached 16 armored units. Fortunately, Ukrainian forces detected the convoy in advance. The destruction was carried out using artillery, kamikaze drones, and minefields. Some armored vehicles hit mines, were immobilized, and then destroyed," Petrasiuk stated.

The use of large numbers of armored vehicles is not uncommon in this sector. Since mid-October, Russian forces have regularly launched massive armored attacks. Winter fogs provided them some advantage, as limited visibility made detection more difficult.

It appears that Russian forces are operating under tight deadlines, desperately trying to achieve any tactical success.