Ukrainians plan long-term occupation of Kursk region – Forbes
12 August 2024 10:50
Ukrainian troops advancing deep into the Kursk region of Russia have begun to strengthen their positions by digging trenches, a clear sign of their intention to stay in the occupied territories for a long time. This is stated in the article by Forbes, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
A week after the start of the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region, it is becoming increasingly clear that these units plan to stay in position for a long time. According to Forbes journalist David Axe, the Ukrainian forces include up to five brigades of up to 2,000 men each, as well as at least one independent battalion of about 400 men.
Russian military correspondent Alexander Kharchenko reported that Ukrainian troops were digging trenches in the Kursk region, calling it “the worst thing that could happen” for the Russian military. He noted that “as soon as the enemy takes up shovels, in two days it will be as difficult to occupy the forest belts as it was near Avdiivka”, where it took six months and tens of thousands of lives for the Russians to push back Ukrainian forces.
The Ukrainians are actively strengthening their positions, which may indicate that the front line has stabilised and that the occupation of part of the Kursk region is over. However, this does not mean that Ukrainian forces have stopped their offensive. They continue to block the reinforcements of Russian troops trying to reach the front line. Estonian analyst Artur Rehi noted that Russian convoys are met by Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance groups, drones and artillery, which makes it much more difficult for the Russians to send in reinforcements.
If Ukrainian troops manage to complete the fortifications and stabilise their positions, the Kursk region could become a new important front in the war. According to the Centre for Strategic Defence Studies of Ukraine, Russia is trying to move up to 10-11 battalions, or about 4,000 troops, to the front in Kursk region. However, the possibility of an effective Russian counterattack is diminishing with each passing day as Ukrainian trenches become more and more solid.
This situation may force the Russians to reconsider their plans on other fronts in order to focus more forces on countering the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, which may have been one of Kyiv’s goals.
What is happening in the Kursk region
on 6 August, the Russians announced a “breakthrough” of the border from Ukraine in the Kursk region.
For the seventh day, fighting has been going on in the border areas of the Kursk region. Russia has now introduced a counter-terrorism operation in three regions bordering Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the information about the invasion of the region. However, the General Staff of Ukraine has not yet commented on the situation.
According to media reports, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have advanced 30 km into the region. Journalists also report a constant stream of armoured personnel carriers and tanks moving towards Russia.
According to AFP, thousands of Ukrainian troops are taking part in a military operation in the Kursk region of Russia.
