The Ukrainian army has been advancing into the Russian region of Kursk for three weeks, capturing over 1000 square kilometers and several towns, while taking hundreds of Russian soldiers as prisoners. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plan is to create a buffer zone and force Russia to withdraw forces from the heavily contested Donbass region to strengthen the home front, providing relief to Ukrainians in Donbass.
However, this Kursk plan is in danger of failing as reports suggest that Russia’s military leadership has decided not to transfer many forces from Donbass to Kursk, posing a challenge to Ukraine’s strategy. Instead, inexperienced recruits from within Russia could be deployed to the defense, risking their lack of experience against Ukrainian forces.
Russia’s focus on the ongoing offensive in eastern Ukraine raises concerns about the importance placed on the Kursk region, potentially jeopardizing the defensive efforts in other areas.
The ongoing pressure on Ukraine in the Donbass region raises questions about the Kremlin’s priorities and the implications for the conflict’s outcome.