Ukrainian Forces Capture Nearly As Much Russian Land in One Week

An unexpected military offensive by Ukrainian forces into Russia’s Kursk region has resulted in the capture of approximately 1,000 square kilometers of territory within just under a week. This development was confirmed by the top commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, on Monday.

The area reportedly seized by Ukraine is roughly 386 square miles, which is almost equivalent to the total land Russia has claimed in Ukraine since the beginning of the year. This rapid territorial gain is notable, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian troops.

Commander Syrskyi briefed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other senior officials about the situation during a video call. He highlighted that the Ukrainian military has managed to maintain control of the captured territory. “As of now, we control about 1,000 square kilometers of the territory of the Russian Federation. The troops are fulfilling their tasks,” Syrskyi said. He indicated that combat is ongoing across the entire front line and reassured that the situation remains “under our control.”

Although independent verification of the reported figures is challenging, Syrskyi’s statements suggest that these recent gains could rival the total amount of land Russia has occupied thus far in 2024. This signifies a remarkable achievement for Ukraine, considering its armed forces’ previous struggles.

Mitch Belcher, a geospatial analyst from the Institute for the Study of War, mentioned that on December 31, Russian forces had occupied around 108,163 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory. By August 11, that number had only marginally increased to 109,338 square kilometers, reflecting a rise of 1,175 square kilometers, equivalent to just over 450 square miles, in 2024.

The surprise offensive commenced on August 6, involving thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and numerous armored vehicles crossing the border into the Kursk region. Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces have penetrated several miles into Russian territory and are now in control of multiple settlements. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant displacement, with over 100,000 civilians fleeing the area.

The overarching objectives of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk remain somewhat ambiguous. Analysts speculate that the incursion may serve multiple purposes: relieving pressure on Ukrainian forces in other regions, gaining leverage for potential negotiations regarding territorial disputes with Russia, or aiming to inflict humiliation on Moscow, thereby bolstering morale in Kyiv.

The situation has prompted discussions within the Russian government, including a meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin with security officials and regional governors to assess the unfolding circumstances in Kursk.

President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude towards the Ukrainian soldiers and commanders involved in the operation, acknowledging their steadfastness and decisive actions. This military initiative appears to have temporarily shifted the battlefield dynamics in one region while contesting Russia’s broader operational control.

Experts from the Institute for the Study of War noted that Russia’s dominance of the battlefield since November 2023 has allowed it to dictate the timing and scale of engagements in Ukraine. However, the operation in Kursk has forced the Kremlin and Russian military leadership to react rapidly and redeploy resources to address the Ukrainian advances.

The future implications of this offensive remain uncertain. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, indicated that the United States has maintained communication with Ukrainian officials to better understand their objectives and strategies regarding the current military operation.

This significant maneuver by Ukraine could potentially alter the course of the ongoing conflict. As the situation evolves, the focus will be on maintaining the gains achieved and evaluating the response from Russian forces.

Source: Business Insider