AFU' actions in Kursk Oblast likely an attempt to impress Trump ahead of possible talks - DW

The offensive actions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the Kursk Oblast of the aggressor country of russia, which became known on January 5, are likely intended to impress US President-elect Donald Trump.

According to Deutsche Welle (DW), Austrian military historian Markus Reisner made this statement the day before.

In late December, Reisner said in an interview with DW that Ukraine would likely make an attempt to show the media again that its support makes sense.

At the time, he said that the offensive actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine should be expected immediately before Trump takes office as President. His inauguration is scheduled for January 20.

At the same time, Reisner believes that what is currently happening in the Kursk Oblast cannot be called an "offensive."

"The offensive will mean that large formations, types of armed forces will conduct an offensive throughout the territory to achieve objectives at the operational level," he noted.

Currently, he believes, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting a forward counterattack with the participation of up to three brigade-level units or their parts.

Reisner is confident that by January 20, "surprises still await us," since there are several sections of the front that can be used for further advancement in order to maximally strengthen the position before possible ceasefire negotiations.

In support of his words, he cites a recent statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on January 6, Blinken said that Ukrainian control over the territories in the Kursk Oblast is critically important for Kyiv's negotiating position.

Recall that in December 2024, Bloomberg wrote, citing sources, that Washington believes that russian troops will be able to regain control of the Kursk Oblast no earlier than the spring of this year.

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