Ukrainian troops have initiated a significant incursion into the Kursk region of Russia, marking the most extensive push by Kyiv's forces in the ongoing conflict. The operation, which commenced on August 6, involved a surprise attack from multiple directions using tanks and armored vehicles. This maneuver has exposed vulnerabilities in Russia's border defense and caused embarrassment for the Kremlin.
Key Details of the Operation
The incursion into the Kursk region is distinguished by its scale, speed, and the reported involvement of battle-hardened Ukrainian brigades. Approximately 10,000 Ukrainian troops are estimated to be part of this operation, making it the first instance of foreign troops invading and holding Russian territory since World War II. The attack encountered minimal resistance at the border, where Russian defenses were manned by inadequately trained conscripts and national guard units. Over 120,000 residents have been evacuated from the affected area.
Current Situation
Ukrainian military forces claim to have seized control of 74 towns and settlements, covering around 1,000 square kilometers of territory. They have taken over 100 Russian soldiers as prisoners and destroyed a Russian Su-34 jet. Clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces are ongoing near settlements approximately 25 kilometers from the border, with fighting reported in Sudzha, the administrative center of the incursion area.
Ukraine's Objectives
Ukraine aims to establish a buffer zone to prevent shelling of its territory from the Kursk region, where it has faced numerous attacks this summer. The operation may also serve to divert Russian troops from the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine, where Moscow has been advancing gradually. Additionally, Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its resolute resistance against the larger Russian army.
Russian Response
Russia has expressed shock at the speed and magnitude of Ukraine's operation, which has exposed weaknesses in its defense mechanisms and challenged the narrative of minimal Russian impact in the conflict. President Vladimir Putin has labeled the incursion a 'large-scale provocation' and has redeployed troops from strategic areas to counter the Ukrainian advance.
