Russia experienced its deadliest day of the war on Monday, losing 1,950 soldiers in a failed attempt to recapture the city of Kursk from Ukrainian forces, according to Kyiv officials.
Ukrainian troops held their ground, repelling waves of Russian assaults and retaining most of the territory gained during their surprise counter-invasion in August, reported the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Yesterday was truly a black day for the Russian occupiers who tried to storm in five to six waves,” said Anastasia Blyshchyk, spokesperson for Ukraine's 7th Separate Mechanized Brigade. “The Russians attacked with vehicles, paratroopers, and attempted to seize Ukrainian settlements. However, ten units of armored vehicles were destroyed by the warriors of the 47th Brigade,” she added, as reported by the Kyiv Post.
Despite small advances, the Russian forces’ strategy of relentless waves to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses has largely failed, with Ukrainian troops still holding control of the frontlines.
Ukraine launched its counteroffensive in Kursk - a city in western Russia - in August, with President Volodymyr Zelensky aiming to use it as leverage in negotiations against Moscow.
Adding to Monday’s losses, Ukrainian intelligence estimates another 1,770 Russian troops were killed on Sunday, compounding the Kremlin’s heavy casualties in its battle to reclaim Kursk.