Report: Russian General Disbanded Border Protection Before Ukraine Attack

A recent report revealed that a Russian general disbanded a tactical group responsible for safeguarding the borders of Kursk just months before a significant surprise incursion by Ukraine. This unexpected assault on August 6 caught both Russia and its Western allies unprepared.

Col. Gen. Alexander Lapin, appointed commander of the Leningrad Military District in May, oversaw security operations for the Kursk region. His decision to dissolve an interagency council made up of military and local security officials has raised questions about the potential effectiveness of Russia’s response to the Ukrainian incursion.

According to an unnamed security official in Russia, Lapin asserted that the existing military forces were sufficiently capable of defending the borders independently. This assertion is now under scrutiny, as Ukraine successfully seized approximately 386 miles of territory in just a few days following their surprise attack.

Over the past couple of weeks, Ukrainian forces have reportedly gained as much ground in the Kursk region as Russia has controlled throughout the entire year. They have also destroyed at least two critical bridges, significantly hampering Russian supply lines and solidifying Ukraine’s control over the newly acquired areas.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi indicated that his troops have managed to push Russian soldiers back by as much as 22 miles into Russian territory, capturing a total of 99 settlements along the way. However, these claims remain unverified by independent sources.

Recent footage shared by military observers corroborated the claim, showing Ukrainian forces operating 12 miles inside Russian territory. This advancement highlights the difficulties faced by Russian forces in mounting an effective counter-offensive, attributed in part to their intricate military hierarchy and lack of preparedness for such contingencies.

Additionally, Russia has been compelled to redeploy troops from ongoing operations in eastern Ukraine to confront the attacks in Kursk. While the Ukrainian offensive appears to have gained momentum, this could potentially create vulnerabilities in other conflict zones.

A commander from Ukraine pointed out that the diversion of resources to Kursk has weakened their position in eastern Ukraine, leading to increased challenges in maintaining their defenses. Concerns have arisen regarding dwindling ammunition supplies, forcing Ukrainian forces to ration artillery shells as the conflict intensifies.

According to military analysts, the primary risk for Ukraine lies in its manpower. Attempting to secure a long-term hold on Kursk could extend their front line significantly, which may not be sustainable in the long run.

Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute, emphasized this point by stating that extending their operational reach could push Ukraine into a precarious situation. This strategy heightens the stakes and increases the likelihood of overcommitting their resources.

Insights from the Institute for the Study of War resonate with this assessment, noting that due to the scale of the ongoing conflict, neither Russia nor Ukraine is likely to secure victory through a single campaign. The complexities of the situation demand careful strategizing from both sides as they navigate the evolving battlefield.

The conflict continues to unfold, with both nations adapting to shifting dynamics in military strategy. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the situation develops, and whether Ukraine can maintain its momentum in the face of Russian countermeasures.