Russia Launches Major Counteroffensive Against Ukraine in Kursk

Russia has reportedly initiated its first significant counteroffensive aimed at pushing Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, following over a month since Ukraine launched its unexpected advance. This development has been confirmed by various Russian and Ukrainian sources as well as independent military analysts.

On Tuesday, Russian forces seemed to have gained some ground, with analysts noting that they had retaken certain areas and managed to penetrate Ukrainian defenses in the Kursk region.

Footage shared by pro-Russian military bloggers and geolocated by ABC News depicted a significant armored column from Russia launching an attack toward the village of Snagost. Additional video evidence appeared to show Ukrainian troops being captured amid the ongoing clashes.

The focus of this Russian counterattack appears to be on Ukraine’s western flank in Kursk, an area where Ukrainian forces had made significant territorial gains since the commencement of their offensive on August 6.

John Helin, a researcher with the Blackbird Group specializing in open-source military analysis, noted on X that Russian troops initiated a push from the west and north, effectively splitting the Ukrainian forces and advancing toward Snagost. According to military bloggers allied with Russia, an attack has been launched on the village of Obukhov, indicating a potential advancement of over six miles by Russian troops on that day.

Ukrainian military analyst Serhiy Sternenko, known for his pro-Ukrainian stance, confirmed the launch of a major counteroffensive by Russia, warning that the situation has become precarious for Ukrainian forces.

“The situation can develop into a poorly controlled crisis,” Sternenko commented on Telegram, indicating that Ukrainian forces in the region are lacking in coordination and facing disorganization.

Military experts and commentators from Ukraine had anticipated a Russian counterattack, as it seemed a predictable response to Ukraine’s incursions.

“I won’t dramatize about the Kursk region, war is war; a fully expected response from the enemy,” remarked Stanislav Osman, a volunteer soldier with the 24th “Aidar” Assault Battalion, on his Telegram account. However, he added that warnings from front-line Ukrainian troops had been overlooked by commanders.

Despite initial successes, where Ukraine captured hundreds of square miles and numerous villages in Kursk, the unfolding situation indicates challenges ahead. Russian forces had struggled to mount an adequate response until now, and while Ukraine has managed to keep Russian troops on the defensive, Tuesday’s counterattack signals a shift in momentum.

Independent military analysts generally view Ukraine’s foray into the Kursk region as a risky gamble. While it managed to alter the narrative of the conflict initially, experts caution that Ukraine may face substantial losses as it attempts to maintain control over the recently acquired territory.

In tandem, Russian forces have reportedly made quicker advances in eastern Ukraine amid the Kursk operations, seemingly exploiting the diversion of Ukrainian troops and resources. Recent movements have edged closer to Pokrovsk, a critical logistical hub for Ukraine, thereby stretching the defensive lines of Ukrainian forces in the southeastern Donbas region. However, reports suggest that this momentum has somewhat slowed in the past week.