"The Latest: Ukrainian forces launched a new offensive yesterday in Russia's Kursk region, deploying tanks and armored vehicles near Berdin village. Russia claims to have repelled the attacks while military bloggers report significant pressure on Russian defenses. Why It Matters: Ukraine's hold on captured Kursk territory could serve as a crucial bargaining chip in future peace talks, though it has weakened its eastern defenses where Russian forces are advancing at their fastest pace since 2022."