The turning point of the Kursk operation: withdrawal cannot be left behind
30 October 2024 16:14
ANALYSIS FROM 
The Ukrainian troops’ operation in Kursk Oblast is approaching a turning point: continue offensive actions or focus on consolidating positions? Reserve Colonel Sergei Grabsky emphasizes the importance of maneuver warfare, which makes it possible to avoid enemy traps, and suggests considering withdrawal of forces if strategic objectives are met. At the same time, the military points to the reliability of the fortified Ukrainian positions. The final decision will be a landmark for the Ukrainian military’s future strategy in enemy territory.
Whether Ukraine has really fulfilled its task on enemy territory – "Komersant Ukrainian" dealt with.
AFU reserve colonel Sergei Grabsky in an interview with the YouTube channel “News Factory” said that the Ukrainian troops had the opportunity to withdraw from the Kursk region back in September. He emphasized that waging a war of a different nature was key to success:
“We can’t afford to play by the enemy’s rules – it’s not just about holding on to territory to the last soldier. The Ukrainian army is historically inclined to maneuver warfare, which requires constant movement and unexpected strikes. If we freeze in place, the enemy gets all the advantages,” Serhiy Grabsky said
The military expert adds that the comparison in terms of territory control in square kilometers is inappropriate, because it is strategically important for us to hold routes, not just territories.
“I am very much annoyed when they compare “here we controlled 1100 square kilometers of territory now we control 700 square kilometers”. If we had only controlled pathways and not territories, we could have achieved more. Therefore, when we can withdraw our troops – at any moment, because they have fulfilled their task” – Sergei Grabsky
There are no prerequisites for withdrawal from Kursk region by the end of the year
Serviceman of the Defense Forces of Ukraine Yevhen Tykhiy in an exclusive commentary said that today there are no prerequisites for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Kursk region in the near future or before the end of the year.
“Since the beginning of the operation, we have established the necessary interaction of troops, provided the counting of forces and means, logistics, communications, as well as organized a reliable defense, which allows us to hold positions stably,” – said Tikhiy.
Tikhiy also commented on North Korea’s involvement in the war, noting that its support in the form of human resources has not yet been able to significantly change the course of hostilities. He added that the Russian army, trying to go on the offensive, is suffering significant losses, including in equipment. The Kursk operation, which started as an offensive operation, gradually acquired a defensive character, which is confirmed by OSINT-analytics data.
“Even if Russia attracts significant resources with the help of North Korea, the Kursk region’s terrain allows us to hold positions and inflict serious losses on the enemy. This makes it possible to delay the withdrawal of our troops for as long as possible,” Tykhiy summarized.
Ukraine may be forced to withdraw from Kurshchyna by the end of the year
Military expert Ivan Stupak is sure that the Kursk operation has exhausted itself, it is time to reconsider the strategy. He says that perhaps by the end of this year we will be forced to withdraw from the Kursk region. However, perhaps it will be accompanied by our losses.
Stupak noted that after three weeks of active fighting in this direction, it is necessary to carefully weigh whether it is worth continuing the operation.
“In my opinion, the Kursk operation has already fulfilled its purpose. Further investments in resources, people, equipment, ammunition and ammunition may not bring tangible results,” the expert added.
If the operation ends successfully, and Ukrainian troops are able to capture three thousand Russian troops in the Glushkovsky district, seize equipment and ammunition, it will be a landmark victory.
“With our heads proudly raised, we could lower the Ukrainian flag from Sudzha, come out as victors, saying that we left the territory voluntarily and are ready to return at any time if necessary. This would have significantly strengthened our position,” Stupak summarized.
In general, the situation in Kursk Oblast evokes mixed assessments among experts: some believe that the operation has already exhausted itself, while others emphasize its strategic importance for defense. Regardless of further developments, the Kursk operation demonstrates the importance of adaptability in modern warfare and continued pressure on the enemy.
Author – Anastasia Fedor
