On January 5, 2025, the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched a limited armored counterattack against Russian troops in the Kursk region of Russia, according to the UK Ministry of Defense. The attack took place as Ukraine continued to defend its territory in Kursk from constant attacks by Russian and North Korean troops.

Ukraine has largely been driven out of Kurakhove, a battered but strategic town in the Donbas, Russia said. Kyiv’s forces were pressing a renewed offensive in southern Russia.