Information
Russia’s defence ministry reported that Ukrainian troops launched a counterattack in Russia’s western Kursk region on Thursday but were repelled by Russian forces. The ministry stated that Ukrainian forces, including armoured vehicles, made several waves of attacks near the villages of Ulanok and Cherkasskaya Konopelka but were forced to retreat, with the settlements remaining under Russian control. While Reuters could not independently verify the details, the incident underscores the ongoing challenge for Russia to fully secure the region, especially since Ukrainian forces have shown the ability to launch significant attacks even months after they initially crossed the border to seize Russian territory.
Although Ukraine’s territorial control in Kursk has decreased since the early days of the incursion in August 2022, the region still holds strategic importance. It offers Ukraine a valuable bargaining chip in potential peace talks, while Russia maintains control over approximately a fifth of Ukraine as the war nears its third anniversary. The continued military engagements in Kursk highlight the complex and protracted nature of the conflict, with neither side willing to yield significant ground, suggesting that the war may drag on for the foreseeable future.
Source: Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera
So what
It will be interesting to see how Ukraine responds to this operation if they choose to comment on it. While it is possible that Ukraine carried out this operation, it is also likely that the situation has not unfolded as Russia claims. Nevertheless, the ongoing attacks in the Kursk region are likely hindering the Russian offensive, as they require a heavy military presence in the area. As I have stated since the beginning of the Kursk operation, as long as these forces do not become isolated, this strategy is likely an effective way to delay Russia. However, there is a significant risk of failure if the troops in that region become isolated and lost.
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