Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Naval Brigade HQ in Kursk for Second Time

For the second time in two weeks, Ukrainian forces have targeted the headquarters of the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade in Belaya, Kursk Oblast, as part of their ongoing counteroffensive. The strike, described as a ‘precision’ raid, occurred on Tuesday, according to the Ukrainian general staff in Kyiv. The attack underscores Ukraine’s growing arsenal of deep-strike weapons, which include U.S.-made HIMARS rockets, French glide bombs, and British cruise missiles.

The 810th Naval Infantry Brigade, a key unit in Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk, has faced relentless Ukrainian assaults. On Christmas Day, Ukrainian forces struck another brigade headquarters in Lgov, 25 miles north of Sudzha, causing significant damage. The brigade, which recently rotated off the front line for rest, has been heavily depleted after two months of failed assaults on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk salient.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that approximately 38,000 Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the Kursk region since August. ‘We continue to maintain a buffer zone on Russian territory, actively destroying Russian military potential there,’ Zelenskyy stated. The Ukrainian offensive has intensified, with reports of fierce fighting in villages north of Sudzha, including Berdin and Bolshoye Soldatskoye.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that two Ukrainian assaults were repelled on Monday, but Ukrainian forces have made tactical advances northeast of Sudzha, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s presidential office, described the situation as ‘good news’ for Ukraine, stating, ‘Russia is getting what it deserves.’

The ongoing conflict in Kursk comes as Ukraine prepares for potential peace talks with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in Kursk to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position. ‘We don’t need Russian territory, but we need our territories back,’ said Yehor Cherniev, a Ukrainian parliament member. The war in Kursk has become a critical front in the broader conflict, with both sides suffering heavy losses.