Russia has launched a counterattack in the Kursk border region, recapturing 10 settlements from Ukrainian forces. This marks the first significant effort to retake Russian territory that has been under Ukrainian control for weeks. The counteroffensive may be a probing of the ground for a bigger operation in the future. The attacks in Kursk are being conducted by better quality troops, including naval infantry and airborne forces, but it’s unclear if it’s a full-blown counteroffensive. Prior to this, Russia had struggled to respond to Ukraine’s surprise invasion of Russian territory on Aug. 6. Ukrainian forces have claimed to hold 500 square miles of Russian territory in Kursk.
While the Russian counterattack increases pressure on Ukrainian defenses, it could also play into Kyiv’s hands by easing the pressure on its forces in the east. Ukraine had been preparing for a Russian counterattack and securing their flanks and logistical supplies in the areas they seized in the Kursk region. President Zelenskyy had plans to hold the territory indefinitely, but a successful Russian counterattack before the U.S. election in November could change the narrative of Ukraine’s success in the conflict.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, with both sides engaging in attacks and counterattacks in the region. The Russians are likely to continue ramping up their counterattack, while Ukraine remains prepared to defend against potential further incursions. The outcome of these actions could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and any potential peace talks in the future.
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