Information
Ukraine has launched a new offensive in the western Russian region of Kursk, with reports of ongoing armed clashes and attacks in multiple directions. Kyiv’s General Staff confirmed 42 individual clashes, including 12 still ongoing, as part of the operation aimed at advancing into Russian territory. This marks the second Ukrainian push into Kursk, following a previous offensive in August that initially gained ground but has since seen Russia reclaim nearly half of the occupied area with assistance from North Korean troops. The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the counterattack, describing it as a response to the advance of Russian troops in the region. Reports indicate the use of tanks, armoured vehicles, and demolition units by Ukrainian forces, targeting areas such as the road to Kursk and the village of Berdin.
Pro-Kremlin military bloggers and Ukrainian officials alike confirmed the renewed offensive, which has reportedly caught Russian forces off guard. Videos from the region depict Ukrainian armoured columns, including mine-clearing vehicles, advancing at high speed. Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak stated that the operation is delivering a strong message to Moscow, while the head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation emphasized that the attacks were strategically coordinated to strike from several directions. Despite the intensity of the clashes, neither side has reported changes to the front line or significant losses, but the operation underscores Ukraine’s continued attempts to exert pressure on Russian forces within their own borders.
Source: Reuters, AP, AFP
So what
While it is highly unlikely that this operation will be a decisive blow to Russia, it is likely beneficial for the Ukrainian defensive effort. However, this is conditional on the Ukrainian forces not becoming isolated. So long as Ukraine maintains pressure on the Kursk region, Russia highly likely has to deploy assets to the area that they would instead have deployed elsewhere.
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