The Russians, along with the North Koreans, are preparing a major offensive in Kurshchina - The New York Times

Russia may launch a major offensive against the positions of Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk Region in the coming days by using North Korean troops. This was reported by The New York Times.

It is noted that the group ready to attack has about 50 thousand troops.

The Russian and Korean militaries, which are preparing for an offensive, are holding joint exercises in the western part of the Kursk Region. Russia is training the DPRK military to conduct artillery fire, basic infantry tactics and trench clearing," the material says.

Thus, the anlytics note, Russia can try to recapture its territories without reducing its troops in the east and south of Ukraine.

At the same time, the publication emphasises, it will be difficult to dislodge Ukrainian soldiers from the occupied positions.

Russian and North Korean forces are likely to suffer serious losses similar to those of the occupiers in eastern Ukraine," the NYT points out.

According to US intelligence, the Russian forces have been joined by more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers, equipped and armed by Russia but organised into their own units.

It's hard to say how the North Koreans will behave in battle, as they have not yet had such experience," the article said.

During the AFU offensive in Russia's Kursk region, Kiev said it gained control over more than 1,200 kilometres of Russian territory.

It was also reported that the operation was aimed at improving Kiev's position in case of peace talks.