Russian offensive in Kursk: Unclear goals and thin sewers leave the population in fear and uncertainty
Russian offensive in Kursk: Unclear goals and thin sewers leave the population in fear and uncertainty
Ukrainian NATO membership: a critical move?
In the past few days, Ukraine has caused a stir with its offensive in the Russian region of Kursk. However, the strategic and operational goals of this campaign remain largely unclear. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj has admitted that an offensive takes place, but the Ukrainian general staff is silent. The flow of information is sparse and especially shaped by the Russian side.
The mood in Russia is divided. On the one hand, there is horror about the Ukrainian advance, which has been slowed down but still progresses. On the other hand, dissatisfaction is growing over its own military, which was obviously unable to protect the Russian core country. Hundreds of square kilometers are now under Ukrainian control, and tens of thousands of people had to be evacuated. This war painfully brings people in Russia, which really means war.
In a reaction to the offensive, the Kremlin anti-terrorist measures in the Belgorod, Brjansk and Kursk regions, which gives the domestic secret service FSB more powers. The last such step took place last year during the advance of the troops of the Wagner leader Jewgeni Prigoschin.
It is speculated that the offensive not only serves to spread fear and confusion in Russia or to serve as a negotiation chip for future discussions. The Russian armed forces may be forced to deduct troops from other front sections in order to relieve the Ukrainian troops there. The Ukrainians are particularly pressure on the Donetsk front. The calculation could be that the defense of the Russian core country is given more importance by leadership than the further conquest of Ukrainian territory, even when it comes to areas that were annexed by the Kremlin. According to rumors, Russian troops from the cities of Cherson, Saporischschja, Pokrowsk, Luhansk, Kupjansk and Charkiw were deducted, which were previously threatened. The fighting on these front sections have decreased significantly. If Ukraine succeed in consolidating their positions on the other front sections due to the offensive at Kursk, this would be a great military success.
However, we shouldn't uncover all the cards. Soldiers on the front spoke of great surprises that they should be prepared for. Some observers expect other Ukrainian attack operations, but the Russian side will do everything possible to clean up the situation. President Putin showed weakness for the second time after the surprising march of the Wagner troops took place towards Moscow last year.
It can be expected that the Russian military reaction will be violent, provided that it still has sufficient capacities where more and more analysts doubt. The Ukrainians' offensive is extremely risky. They use the latest western war technology and well -trained units. If these units fall victim to the fire of the Russian Air Force, this would be a military disaster, regardless of which front sections are relieved.
The Ukraine offensive in Kursk is another step in its approach to NATO. Some observers see this as a really bold and risky approach. It remains to be seen how this offensive develops and what effects you will have on the relationships between Ukraine and Russia.
The meaning of the offensive
The Ukraine offensive in Kursk has far -reaching effects on the region and beyond. It marks a significant step in the rapprochement of Ukraine to NATO and is a direct challenge for Russia. It is a high -risk operation, both in terms of military tactics and political consequences. There is a lot at stake for both Ukraine and Russia.