Ukraine gambles on invading Russian territory/risky attack on nuclear enemy with no clear target

The Washington Post noted that Ukraine’s surprising invasion of the Kursk region on the Russian border was a bold gamble by Ukrainian military commanders, who used the country’s limited resources to launch a risky attack on a nuclear-armed enemy with no guarantee of success.

After initial signs of progress, President Volodymyr Zelensky broke his silence to give a war-weary Ukrainian public daily updates on the progress of Kiev’s troops, who Ukrainian officials say control a 1,000 square kilometer region of Kursk, including 74 towns, and have captured hundreds of Russian prisoners.

The target of the Ukrainian offensive is unclear / the situation in Kiev risks deteriorating

But a week after the start of the operation, the overall goal of this daring operation remains unclear: can Ukraine maintain its pace and hold the conquered territories, advance or retreat? What is obvious is that the invasion has changed the battle lines. The shock of the Ukrainian invasion exposed the cracks in the armor of this powerful adversary. But at a time when military commanders are short of personnel, the attack could increase Ukraine’s vulnerability by expanding the front and diverting troops to other areas, “said columnist Samia Kulab in an article published in the daily. The Washington Post The title reads “Ukraine gambles on invading Russian territory / A daring maneuver that changes the battlefield / A daring maneuver by commanders who allocate limited resources to a dangerous attack on a nuclear enemy with no guarantee of success”.

An unnamed Ukrainian commander argued that “extending the front line means the same thing for the enemy.”

Kiev brought in troops from the front to carry out the operation at Kursk, and the Russian advance continued unhindered. Russia’s strategic advantage remained intact.

As the offensive enters its second week, Ukrainian troops are fighting in multiple directions from the city of Sudja, even as they increasingly face retaliation from Russia.

“But some analysts have reservations about the effectiveness of the offensive in the Kursk region. (…) The Russian authorities acknowledged the progress made in Ukraine, but called it small. However, they evacuated about 132,000 people”, the columnist noted.

Offensive puts pressure on Moscow, but strategy remains unchanged

“On a political level, the invasion shifted pressure away from Russia and reset the terms of the conflict, with Ukraine seemingly destined to accept unfavorable armistice terms. But even if fighting continues, the territory under Ukrainian control has little economic or strategic value,” the columnist stressed.

“There is gas infrastructure in the region, but its role is likely to be limited to being a small bargaining chip,” said Pasi Paroinen, an analyst at Finnish consultancy group Black Bird.

Russian military bases are far away from the current combat zone, and as Russia sends more troops, Ukraine’s advance will be halted.

Ukrainian officials have said they do not want to occupy the Kursk region but will try to create a buffer zone. A Ukrainian commander said forcing Russian troops to send troops to the region would be the minimum goal. But for now Moscow’s attention remains focused on Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

“Nothing has changed. If anything, I’ve only noticed an intensification of Russian offensive operations,” said a Ukrainian soldier who asked not to be named.

Photo: Profimedia

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