Ukraine Tries to Push Deeper into Russia Amid Slowed Advancements

Ukrainian forces continue their effort to advance further into Russia’s Kursk region, but they are encountering stiff resistance as they press their unprecedented incursion, which began over a week ago. Reports from Russia’s Defense Ministry, as well as pro-Kremlin military journalists, indicate that Ukrainian troops made several attempts overnight to breach defensive lines approximately 20 kilometers, or about 12 miles, into the Kursk region. These efforts aim to expand the bridgehead that was established during the initial phases of the offensive.

While those reports claim that the Ukrainian assaults were largely unsuccessful, they also suggest that Russian positions are still feeling the pressure. As the conflict persists, Russia is deploying additional forces to conduct counterattacks against this unexpected offensive—marking the first foreign military incursion into Russia since World War II.

Journalists on the ground, including reporters from The New York Times, have observed columns of Ukrainian troops and armored vehicles crossing from Ukraine into Russia with little to no interference at the border. These forces are attempting to broaden their operational area from the border town of Sudzha in multiple directions. Their objective has been to seize the village of Korenevo, positioned roughly 40 kilometers north-west of Sudzha, which would facilitate movement toward a vital highway. However, reports suggest they have struggled to dislodge Russian units from this strategic location.

Ukrainian military leader General Oleksandr Syrskiy informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukrainian forces are currently in control of about 1,000 square kilometers, or approximately 386 square miles, of territory within Kursk. Meanwhile, Alexey Smirnov, the governor of the Kursk region, relayed to President Vladimir Putin during a televised briefing that Ukrainian forces had secured control over 28 settlements after advancing 12 kilometers into the region along a 40-kilometer front. Notably, Putin interrupted Smirnov, steering the conversation back towards social and economic conditions in the region.

Recent developments indicate that Ukrainian forces have not made significant advances over the last few days, which might point to escalating difficulties as Russian defenders regroup and reinforce their positions in response to this incursion. Russia has reportedly been employing aircraft and drones to target Ukrainian units actively engaged in the region.

In addition, an increasing number of videos showcasing destroyed Ukrainian vehicles are circulating on pro-Russian social media platforms, consolidating claims made by Russian analysts. These analysts have expressed concerns that Ukraine may consider launching additional incursions at different points along the border, which could further complicate the military landscape in the region.

The ongoing situation in the Kursk region remains fluid, and the coming days will likely be critical in determining the unfolding dynamics of this conflict. Military analysts and observers will continue to monitor developments closely as both sides adapt to the changing circumstances.

Source: ABC News