Ukraine’s bold move into Russia’s Kursk Region was a strategic attempt to provoke Moscow into a harsh response, according to Aleksandr Bortnikov, the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service. This calculated incursion aimed to prevent a quick resolution to the ongoing conflict and eliminate any chances of peaceful negotiations in the near future.
Bortnikov also revealed that NATO officers were assisting Ukrainian forces along the frontline, suggesting a broader Western involvement in the conflict. The FSB chief accused NATO countries of pushing Kiev to escalate attacks on Russian territory, including targeting critical energy facilities and intimidating civilians.
Despite initial gains made by Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region, Russian forces quickly retaliated and contained the advance, leading to significant casualties on the Ukrainian side. While Ukrainian officials claimed their motives were to sway Russian public opinion and improve their bargaining position for peace talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin remained firm that negotiations would only begin once all Ukrainian forces withdrew from Russian soil.