The Russian military has gathered 50,000 troops, including Russian and North Korean soldiers, ahead of the start of an assault aimed at regaining control of territory seized from Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region. The New York Times (NYT) reports this, citing US and Ukrainian officials.
Ukrainian sources cited by the newspaper believe that a counteroffensive by Moscow will begin in western Russia in the coming days. Russia has massed forces without having to withdraw soldiers from eastern Ukraine, which is its main battlefield priority, allowing Moscow to press on multiple fronts at once, according to a new US assessment. Russian troops recovered some of the territory captured by Ukraine in Kursk this year. They have attacked Ukrainian positions with missile attacks and artillery fire, but have not yet begun a major assault, underline US officials cited by the NYT.
At the moment, North Korean soldiers are training with Russian forces in the extreme western part of Kursk, writes the New York Times, which underlines that the Russian-North Korean offensive is looming while US President-elect Donald Trump, who is preparing to returning to office, he declared his goal to quickly end the war. Trump has said little about how he plans to resolve the conflict, but Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has outlined a plan that would allow Russia to keep territory it has seized in Ukraine.
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Ivanova, Political Analyst on Russia’s Recent Developments**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Ivanova. Let’s dive right into it. Recently, there have been significant developments regarding Russia’s political landscape. Could you summarize what has transpired?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me. The recent events in Russia involve a consolidation of power by the government, amid mounting international pressures. We’ve seen an increased crackdown on dissent, with more activists and opposition figures being arrested. Additionally, there’s a continued escalation of military activities in neighboring regions, which raises concerns about further conflicts.
**Editor:** Interesting. How do you believe these developments will affect Russia’s relations with the West?
**Dr. Ivanova:** The relationship is likely to deteriorate further. The West has already imposed sanctions in response to various actions, and as Russia shows a more aggressive stance both domestically and abroad, we can expect stronger responses from Western nations. This could lead to heightened tensions, especially with NATO and EU member states.
**Editor:** What is the sentiment among the Russian populace regarding these changes?
**Dr. Ivanova:** While some support the government’s actions, particularly those framed as protecting national interests, there is a growing discontent among many citizens. Economic struggles and restrictions on freedoms are leading to frustration. However, the state’s strong control over media and public discourse limits the expression of dissent.
**Editor:** what do you foresee in the near future for Russia?
**Dr. Ivanova:** I believe we are entering a period of prolonged instability. The government may continue to tighten its grip to manage dissent, which could lead to more protests and possible internal conflict. Additionally, the international response will play a crucial role in shaping Russia’s strategies. It’s a delicate situation that requires close monitoring.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Ivanova, for your insights. We appreciate your expertise on this complex topic.
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me.
