Consequences of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk: L. Kasčiūnas mentions “demilitarization” of the Kaliningrad region

Russia is withdrawing some of its military forces from Ukraine in response to its invasion of the Kursk region, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal, the first sign that the Battle of Kiev is forcing Moscow to reorganize its invasion forces.

Officials said the United States was still trying to determine the significance of the Russian move, but did not disclose how many troops Washington believed Russia was moving.

The assessment supports claims by Ukrainian officials that last week’s surprise incursion forced Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine and that Moscow’s manpower and equipment advantages have enabled it to make some breakthroughs in Ukraine in recent months.

Is the Kaliningrad region also in turmoil?

According to Reuters, Lithuanian Defense Minister Kasiunas met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Tuesday, where he also conveyed information about the actions of Russian troops in the face of the Ukrainian attack.

This information concerns the Kaliningrad region.

After the meeting, Zelenskis wrote on social networks that he discussed military-industrial developments and Ukraine’s needs in the security sphere with the Lithuanian minister.

Kaschyunas said Russia was moving troops from the Kaliningrad region to the Kursk region because of the Ukrainian attack, Reuters reported.

“We now see how the Russians are moving their troops to Kursk. I tell my people: look how the Ukrainians are fighting for us, so Russia must withdraw its troops from Kaliningrad. We even call it the ‘demilitarization’ of Kaliningrad, thanks to your army, your decision,” the Polish portal gaeta.pl also quoted the Lithuanian Defense Minister as saying during a meeting with Zelensky.

You can find all the information about the war in Ukraine here.

Further support reportedly

“Kassiunas met with Zelenskius to discuss the challenges Ukraine faces every day,” the statement issued by the Ministry of Defense said. During the meeting with the Ukrainian president, the defense minister spoke about Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, cooperation with Ukraine through the transfer of good experiences and lessons in the field of drones and fortifications, and discussed other important issues.

“Lithuania remains a loyal ally of Ukraine and a reliable partner in the processes of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We will continue to actively mobilize all possible support for Ukraine, especially military support. We not only help Ukraine, but also learn from it, we inherit their good practices and knowledge in the integration and reinforcement of drones and work towards closer industrial cooperation. Support for Ukraine allows us to strengthen our defense industry and encourage our manufacturers to develop and produce drones more decisively,” said Minister L. Kasciūnas.

During the meeting with President Zelensky, we also discussed the defense reform consultations that began before the war, progress in the mine clearance alliance, financing of Ukrainian drones, and testing and adaptation of drones from Lithuanian manufacturers for the needs of the Ukrainian army.

In August, Lithuania will transfer to Ukraine 14 M113 armored personnel carriers, short-range air defense systems with missiles, anti-UAV systems, anti-UAV individual suppressors, all-terrain vehicles with spare parts, cargo trailers, 20-ton telescopic forklifts, wheel loaders, rifles, ammunition, smoke bombs, weapon accessories and their parts.

At Ukraine’s request, Lithuania has transferred to Ukraine this year 155mm ammunition, M577 armored vehicles, M113 armored vehicles, anti-drone systems, Carl Gustav anti-tank grenade launcher ammunition, RISE-1 remote detonation systems, generators, and disassembled L-39ZA light attack aircraft and other support.

Since the beginning of the war, Lithuania has provided Ukraine with military support in excess of 641 million euros. The total amount of Lithuania’s support to Ukraine is long-term and has exceeded 1 billion euros.