How Ukraine turned the war on its head with surprise attack on southern Russia
Russia is scrambling to shore up its defenses more than a week into Ukraine’s shock, lightening attack across the border on the southern Kursk region.
Ukraine's Bold Strike: A Week into the Kursk Incursion
A week after Ukraine launched a surprise offensive across the border into Russia's Kursk region, the situation remains fluid. Moscow is scrambling to shore up its defenses, diverting thousands of troops from occupied Ukrainian territory to counter the threat. Even President Putin has had to call on conscripts, backtracking on his promise not to deploy them on the frontline.
The sheer audacity of the Ukrainian operation has stunned even their closest allies, including the US. The planning and execution were shrouded in secrecy, leaving Russia completely caught off guard.
The Keys to Success:
Superb Operational Security: The operation was executed with remarkable secrecy. Troop movements were disguised, giving the appearance of routine exercises or defensive reinforcements.
Detailed Intelligence: Ukraine had precise intelligence on Russian unit readiness and the location of obstacles like minefields and tank traps.
Experienced Units: Battle-hardened units, including the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, were pulled from other fronts to spearhead the incursion.
Clever Tactics: The Ukrainians used the dense summer foliage for cover, and roads for speed. They also employed jamming tactics to disrupt Russian communication.
Effective Air Defense: Ukrainian air defenses and artillery support played a crucial role in repelling Russian counterattacks.
Psychological Warfare: Ukrainian troops took down Russian flags, posed in front of village signs, and shared videos online, boosting morale and undermining Russian confidence.
Initial Gains and Resistance:
The first Ukrainian units stormed into Kursk on August 6, encountering minimal resistance. Videos show dozens of Russian soldiers surrendering near the heavily damaged border crossing southwest of Sudzha. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed on Thursday that his forces had taken control of Sudzha, an important transit point for Russian gas supplies to Europe.
The Ukrainians have made significant territorial gains, capturing over 1,150 square kilometers and 82 settlements. They are currently consolidating their hold on a band of territory 35 kilometers deep and even providing emergency food aid to Russian civilians.
Russia's Response:
The Russian Defense Ministry insists it is repelling Ukrainian advances, but their reinforcements are struggling to retake lost ground. The slow response and lack of readiness have sparked outrage among Russian military bloggers.
Strategic Implications:
Experts believe the incursion serves multiple objectives for Ukraine:
Divert Russian Forces: The operation aims to draw Russian troops away from the Donbas region, where Moscow has been making gains in recent months.
Strengthen Negotiation Position: The incursion provides Ukraine with leverage in future peace talks.
Self-Defense Measure: Kursk has been used by Russia to launch missile attacks on Ukraine, making the region a security threat.
The Future of the Incursion:
Defense analysts believe Ukraine will hold onto the captured territory for a considerable period. Kursk could become a valuable bargaining chip in future negotiations, providing Ukraine with a significant strategic advantage.
The outcome of the incursion remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ukraine's audacious move has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the war, demonstrating their continued commitment to fighting for their country and their ability to launch bold, unexpected operations.
A week after Ukraine launched a surprise offensive across the border into Russia's Kursk region, the situation remains fluid. Moscow is scrambling to shore up its defenses, diverting thousands of troops from occupied Ukrainian territory to counter the threat. Even President Putin has had to call on conscripts, backtracking on his promise not to deploy them on the frontline.
The sheer audacity of the Ukrainian operation has stunned even their closest allies, including the US. The planning and execution were shrouded in secrecy, leaving Russia completely caught off guard.
The Keys to Success:
Superb Operational Security: The operation was executed with remarkable secrecy. Troop movements were disguised, giving the appearance of routine exercises or defensive reinforcements.
Detailed Intelligence: Ukraine had precise intelligence on Russian unit readiness and the location of obstacles like minefields and tank traps.
Experienced Units: Battle-hardened units, including the 82nd Air Assault Brigade, were pulled from other fronts to spearhead the incursion.
Clever Tactics: The Ukrainians used the dense summer foliage for cover, and roads for speed. They also employed jamming tactics to disrupt Russian communication.
Effective Air Defense: Ukrainian air defenses and artillery support played a crucial role in repelling Russian counterattacks.
Psychological Warfare: Ukrainian troops took down Russian flags, posed in front of village signs, and shared videos online, boosting morale and undermining Russian confidence.
Initial Gains and Resistance:
The first Ukrainian units stormed into Kursk on August 6, encountering minimal resistance. Videos show dozens of Russian soldiers surrendering near the heavily damaged border crossing southwest of Sudzha. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed on Thursday that his forces had taken control of Sudzha, an important transit point for Russian gas supplies to Europe.
The Ukrainians have made significant territorial gains, capturing over 1,150 square kilometers and 82 settlements. They are currently consolidating their hold on a band of territory 35 kilometers deep and even providing emergency food aid to Russian civilians.
Russia's Response:
The Russian Defense Ministry insists it is repelling Ukrainian advances, but their reinforcements are struggling to retake lost ground. The slow response and lack of readiness have sparked outrage among Russian military bloggers.
Strategic Implications:
Experts believe the incursion serves multiple objectives for Ukraine:
Divert Russian Forces: The operation aims to draw Russian troops away from the Donbas region, where Moscow has been making gains in recent months.
Strengthen Negotiation Position: The incursion provides Ukraine with leverage in future peace talks.
Self-Defense Measure: Kursk has been used by Russia to launch missile attacks on Ukraine, making the region a security threat.
The Future of the Incursion:
Defense analysts believe Ukraine will hold onto the captured territory for a considerable period. Kursk could become a valuable bargaining chip in future negotiations, providing Ukraine with a significant strategic advantage.
The outcome of the incursion remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Ukraine's audacious move has fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the war, demonstrating their continued commitment to fighting for their country and their ability to launch bold, unexpected operations.