Blinken: The events near Kursk are significant for future negotiations.

Blinken reminded that the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden aims to provide Ukraine with "as strong a hand as possible." "Their presence in the Kursk region is significant because, undoubtedly, this will be considered in any negotiations that may take place in the coming year," the Secretary of State noted.

Additionally, Blinken stated that even if negotiations occur, Ukraine will still require "adequate security guarantees," as Russian President Vladimir Putin will not believe that "the game is over."

"His imperial ambitions remain, and what he will attempt to do is rest, rearm, and ultimately attack again," the U.S. Secretary of State said.

Earlier, in an interview with The New York Times, Blinken mentioned that U.S. authorities "do not see any signs that Russia is ready for engagement," and a ceasefire could be used to prepare for a new offensive.

• On January 5, several Russian pro-military Telegram channels reported that the Ukrainian army was going on the offensive in the Kursk region. These reports were indirectly confirmed by the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, wrote: "Kursk, good news, Russia is getting what it deserves." Fighting in the direction of the village of Bolshoye Soldatskoye was later confirmed by various sources, including the Russian Ministry of Defense.
• As a result of the offensive in early August, Ukrainian forces occupied part of the territory of the Russian Kursk region. Subsequently, it is estimated that about half of this territory was recaptured; however, the Armed Forces of Ukraine still hold Suja and about 500 square kilometers of territory. In recent days, messages about preparations for a new offensive have circulated in Telegram channels, allegedly timed to coincide with the upcoming inauguration of the U.S. president on January 20.